The Henry Ford Museum began life as the famous automobile industrialist’s personal collection of fascinating historical objects. Today, it is the largest museum in the United States, covering over 40 hectares of both indoor and outdoor exhibition space. You’ll discover unique feats of engineering, memorabilia from key moments in political history, as well as gain powerful insights into evolution of modern American society.
As may be expected with a collection by Henry Ford, cars and automotive engineering take pride of place. Tour the Automobile in American Life exhibition to see an amazing collection of vehicles, including the fifteen-millionth Model T Ford, the 1906 Old 16 Locomobile racing car, and the Ford Nucleon: the model of a planned nuclear-powered car. These authentic pieces are complemented by interactive presentations and personal accounts from the period to perfectly illustrate the impact the development of the modern car has had on American culture.
Other forms of transport are represented too: marvel at the 600-tonne Allegheny locomotive, one of the largest steam engines ever built, or head back through the centuries with the 1820 Concord stagecoach. Discover the spectacular feats of the pioneers of aviation in the Heroes of the Sky exhibition, which includes replica of the Wright Flyer and a prototype Sikorsky helicopter.
The museum is also home to unique exhibits, such as the rocking chair in which President Abraham Lincoln was sat when he was assassinated on 14 April 1865, the original camp bed used by the first American President, George Washington, and the writing desk used by famous author Edgar Allen Poe.
You’ll find plenty to discover in Greenfield Village. Approximately one hundred buildings, dating from the 17th century onwards, have been relocated here to tell the story of American life. Ride steam trains and Model T Ford cars between the Wright Brother’s bicycle shop, Henry Ford’s birthplace and a reconstruction of Thomas Edison’s laboratory. You’ll find costumed interpreters at many of the sites, truly bringing history to life.
The Henry Ford Museum is open daily, but Greenfield Village closes in winter. Parking is available on-site for a fee, or you can take the SMART bus from downtown Detroit.
