- Attraction: Stahls Motors and Music Experience
- Location: 56516 North Bay Drive, New Baltimore, MI 48051
- Industry: Museum
- Website: https://www.stahlsauto.com/
Behind an unassuming industrial facade lies Michigan’s best-kept automotive secret that doubles as a musical wonderland.
The Stahls Motors and Music Experience houses an extraordinary collection spanning from the earliest days of the automobile through the golden age of mechanical music machines, all under one massive 45,000-square-foot roof.
What makes this place truly remarkable isn’t just the pristine condition of nearly 100 vintage automobiles, but the unexpected symphony of automated musical instruments that fill the air with melodies from a bygone era.
This isn’t your typical car museum where you simply look at static displays. You’ll experience automotive history brought to life through both sight and sound, creating an unforgettable sensory journey that captivates car enthusiasts and music lovers alike.
Automotive Treasures That Will Take Your Breath Away
The Crown Jewel – Tucker Torpedo: Among the museum’s prized possessions sits one of only 46 remaining Tucker automobiles in existence. This 1948 Tucker represents automotive innovation at its finest, with its rear-mounted engine, innovative safety features, and streamlined design that was decades ahead of its time. You’ll marvel at the pristine condition of this automotive legend that few people will ever see in person.
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Keep Exploring →Rare Electric Pioneers: Step back to the early 1900s when electric vehicles actually dominated the roads, making up nearly 38% of all automobiles. The collection showcases several of these early electric cars, demonstrating that the “future” of transportation was actually conceived over a century ago. These silent runners offer a fascinating glimpse into an alternate automotive timeline.
Forgotten Automotive Legends: The museum celebrates the rich diversity of American automotive history with vehicles from manufacturers whose names have faded into obscurity. You’ll discover pristine examples from Duesenberg, Packard, Auburn, Cord, Hudson, and dozens of other marques that once graced American roads. Each represents the dreams and innovations of entrepreneurs who helped shape the automotive landscape.
Hollywood Stars on Wheels: Several vehicles in the collection have enjoyed their moment in the spotlight, having been featured in major motion pictures including “The Great Race” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” These movie cars add an extra layer of storytelling to your visit, connecting automotive history with popular culture.
Depression Era Memorabilia: Beyond the automobiles themselves, you’ll find an extensive collection of vintage gas pumps, colorful road signs, period-appropriate oil cans, and automotive accessories that transport you back to the Depression and Art Deco eras. These authentic pieces create an immersive environment that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a 1930s service station.
The Musical Marvel That Sets Stahls Apart
Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ: The museum’s 23-rank Wurlitzer theatre organ commands attention with its imposing presence and incredible sound. This former Milhous Museum piece now fills the vast space with rich, powerful melodies that create an almost cathedral-like atmosphere. When talented organist Justin Lavoie takes to the keys, the entire museum transforms into a concert hall.
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Discover MoreMechanical Music Monsters: You’ll encounter automated musical instruments that seem almost magical in their complexity and scale. The 1930 Mortier music monster stretches across 40 feet of wall space and produces sound that can fill the entire building. These intricate mechanical marvels showcase the incredible craftsmanship and engineering prowess of early 20th-century artisans.
Interactive Musical Demonstrations: Unlike passive museum displays, these instruments come alive during your visit. Knowledgeable guides demonstrate how these complex mechanisms work, often providing mini-concerts that reveal the sophisticated engineering behind each piece. You’ll witness violins being played by mechanical hands, drums beating in perfect rhythm, and orchestrions producing full symphonic sounds.
Diverse Musical Collection: The musical instrument collection spans various eras and styles, from elegant dance organs to vintage jukeboxes that chart the evolution of automated entertainment. Each piece tells a story about how people gathered and celebrated in different eras, making music a communal experience long before modern sound systems.
Atmosphere & Setting
Industrial Charm: The museum’s warehouse setting provides the perfect backdrop for this impressive collection. The high ceilings and open floor plan allow you to appreciate the full scale of both the largest automobiles and the most imposing musical instruments. The industrial aesthetic doesn’t detract from the experience but rather emphasizes the mechanical beauty of the exhibits.
Immaculate Presentation: Every vehicle gleams in showroom condition, with meticulous attention to detail evident throughout. You’ll notice that most cars are not just display pieces but actual running vehicles that are carefully maintained and occasionally driven to shows. This commitment to preservation ensures you’re seeing these automotive treasures exactly as they were meant to be experienced.
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Keep Exploring →Family-Friendly Layout: The museum provides excellent sightlines for visitors of all heights, and children especially enjoy the interactive elements like kid-sized race cars they can sit in for photos. The open layout makes it easy for families to explore together while accommodating wheelchairs and strollers without difficulty.
Volunteer Expertise: Throughout your visit, you’ll encounter passionate volunteers stationed near various exhibits who possess encyclopedic knowledge about both the vehicles and musical instruments. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and they’re eager to share fascinating stories and technical details that bring each exhibit to life.
Other Considerations
Unbeatable Value: Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Stahls is that admission is completely free, with only a suggested donation at the entrance. This incredible value makes it accessible to everyone while allowing visitors to contribute what they can afford. For the quality and scope of the collection, this represents one of Michigan’s best entertainment bargains.
Limited but Quality Hours: The museum operates on a limited schedule – Tuesdays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and the first Saturday of each month from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (except July). While the restricted hours might require planning ahead, they ensure that volunteer staff can provide personal attention to each visitor.
Special Events Calendar: During warmer months, the museum hosts Thursday evening Cruise Nights where car enthusiasts gather to display their own vehicles. These events create a community atmosphere and provide additional opportunities to experience the facility. Special events like “A Night at the Museum” illuminate the collection with dramatic lighting for a completely different perspective.
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Discover MorePhotography Paradise: The museum welcomes handheld photography for personal use, making it a favorite destination for car enthusiasts and families wanting memorable photos. The collection provides countless backdrops for striking images, though tripods and professional equipment aren’t permitted to protect both visitors and vehicles.
Perfect Visit Duration: Plan to spend at least 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the entire collection. The combination of automotive and musical exhibits provides enough variety to keep even restless visitors engaged throughout their stay.
Stahls Motors and Music Experience
📍 56516 North Bay Drive, New Baltimore, MI 48051
