The Musée des 24 Heures du Mans is located at the Circuit de la Sarthe, the famous endurance racing circuit on the southern edge of Le Mans in the Sarthe department of Pays de la Loire. Operated by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) — the body that has organised the 24 Hours of Le Mans since its inaugural running in 1923 — the museum presents the complete centennial history of the world's most prestigious endurance motor race through a permanent collection of over 100 historic racing cars. The museum traces the race's evolution from its origins as a test of automotive reliability and fuel efficiency in the early 1920s, through the golden age of sports car racing in the 1950s and 1960s, the Group C turbocharged era of the 1980s, the Porsche, Jaguar, and Peugeot rivalries of the 1990s, the dominant Audi diesel era of the 2000s, and into the current hybrid hypercar class. Among the vehicles displayed are multiple class-winning and outright-winning cars from marques including Ferrari, Ford, Porsche, Audi, Toyota, Jaguar, Bentley, and Mirage. The Ford GT40s associated with the famous Ford–Ferrari rivalry of the mid-1960s — when Ford ended Ferrari's stranglehold on the overall victory — are particular draws for motorsport historians. Beyond the racing cars, the museum's collections include period race posters, trophies, driver memorabilia, archive photographs, and engine displays documenting the mechanical evolution of endurance racing over a century. Interactive exhibits and audiovisual presentations explain race strategy, pit-stop choreography, and the development of tyre and fuel technology. Outside race week (held annually in June), visitors can walk the pit lane and podium area and book guided circuit experiences. The museum building, updated in 2011, uses dramatic lighting to highlight the aerodynamic forms of the cars. Free parking is available at the circuit.
Location
Circuit de la Sarthe, 72100 Le Mans
47.9544, 0.2106 View on map
Highlights
- Over 100 historic racing cars spanning the full 100-year history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
- Ford GT40s and GTs representing the celebrated 1960s Ford–Ferrari rivalry
- Interactive pit-stop and race-strategy exhibits explaining endurance racing tactics
- Access to the Circuit de la Sarthe pit lane and podium area outside race week
- Century-spanning collection of race posters, trophies, and driver memorabilia
Tips for visiting
- Combine the museum with a guided circuit walk or drive-along experience — book at the circuit reception on arrival.
- Arrive by 10:00 to avoid coach groups, which typically arrive mid-morning.
- The museum is 8 kilometres from Le Mans city centre — personal transport or a taxi is required outside race-week shuttle periods.
- The Le Mans Classics (held in alternating years, typically July) fills the circuit with historic cars and pairs naturally with a museum visit.
- Free parking is available in the main circuit car park for private vehicles.
Accessibility
The museum building is wheelchair-accessible with level access throughout the main display halls. The pit lane circuit area involves some uneven tarmac but is broadly accessible. Accessible parking bays are available in the main circuit car park.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is the museum English-language friendly?
Most exhibit panels have English translations and the audio guide is available in English. Staff at the ticket desk typically speak English.
How long does a full visit take?
The museum alone takes 1.5–2 hours. Combined with a guided pit-lane walk or circuit tour, allow a half-day.
Is it necessary to visit during race week?
No — the museum is open year-round and circuit access areas are available outside race week. During race week in June, access is restricted to ticket holders.
Can visitors visit with children?
The museum is highly suitable for children and motorsport enthusiasts of all ages; the interactive exhibits and scale of the racing cars are particularly engaging for younger visitors.