Musée des 24 Heures du Mans

The Musée des 24 Heures du Mans is located directly on the Circuit de la Sarthe at Le Mans in the Sarthe department of Pays de la Loire, adjacent to the racing circuit that has hosted the 24 Heures du Mans endurance race continuously since 1923. The museum covers three floors of exhibition space dedicated to the history of the race, the evolution of motorsport technology, and the legendary cars and drivers who have defined the event. Around 110 vehicles are on permanent display, ranging from the earliest pre-war endurance racers through the Ford GT40s that ended Ferrari's dominance in the 1960s, the Porsche 917 and 936 that defined the 1970s, multiple Le Mans-winning Porsches and Audis, and modern LMP1 hybrid prototypes. The circuit itself — the world's oldest continuously active motorsport venue — extends beyond the museum, and during non-race periods a driving experience facility offers visitors the chance to lap portions of the track. The museum galleries are organised chronologically and thematically, with particular depth on the Ford versus Ferrari rivalry of the mid-1960s and detailed documentation of the tragic accidents that shaped the race's safety history. Scale models, driver memorabilia, original racing suits, helmets, and technical drawings supplement the car collection. Photography throughout is freely permitted. The museum's exterior walkway provides direct views of the permanent grandstands, pit lane entrance, and the famous Dunlop Bridge. During the 24 Heures race week in June, the museum closes to standard visitors — plan accordingly.