Chris Bangle, the American-born designer for BMW, MINI, and Rolls Royce, once said, “Cars are the sculptures of our everyday life.” If this is true, the newly opened Savoy Automobile Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, houses our favorite sculptures.
These rolling works of art speak to the creative influences and the culture of their creation.
The museum includes more than 100 carefully restored antique and classic cars showcased in four spacious galleries. In addition, eye-catching automotive-inspired artwork adorns the gallery walls providing a warm ambiance.
This opening exhibition focuses on four areas: The Great American Classics, American Racing, Woodies, and Orphans.
Of the five galleries, there are four rotating, which means individual exhibits or even the vehicles themselves, will be regularly changed out. The fifth gallery displays vehicles from the permanent Savoy Collection. Vehicles from the Savoy Collection will be rotated on occasion.
Some notable race cars on loan from private collections include Bobby Isaac’s 1969 Dodge Daytona from the Wellborne Musclecar Museum, as well as Richard Petty’s 1970 Plymouth Superbird, and Dick Landy’s 1971 Dodge Challenger Drag Car from the Todd Werner Collection.
Vettes of Atlanta Magazine was excited to be invited by the Amazing Corvettes Club of Atlanta to join their caravan to the Museum. Of course, we couldn’t pass up the chance to photograph some of the club members in front of their favorite cars.
Visual Details Abound
The 65,000 square-foot Savoy Automobile Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, opened its long-awaited doors on December 8, 2021. But, for those car-lovers fortunate enough to visit, the Savoy experience starts long before you step inside.
Those with a keen eye for aesthetic detail will notice that no stone has been left unturned inside the Museum itself or on the well-manicured grounds outside. Take, for example, the long, meandering drive up to the museum once you pull onto the 37-acre campus.
You’re greeted with purposefully designed landscaping that longs to be home to a Concours d’Elegance level event. In addition, the generous green space area can accommodate hundreds of collectible automobiles and host significant outdoor events should the need arise.
The visually stunning bright red and silver museum facade instantly sets it apart from the trappings of the area. The museum is as much a work of art as the rare automobiles it houses.
Of course, that is to be expected. The late Frank Bergman described his architecture style for this museum as “European Modern.” Savoy Automobile Museum is the newest program of Cartersville-based Georgia Museums, Inc.
The group already operates three museums in Cartersville: Tellus Science Museum, which opened in 2009, Booth Western Art Museum in 2003, and Bartow History Museum in 1987.
Points Of Interest
The 360-degree-viewing of these prized automobiles will be the evident focus of your visit, though there are other points of interest you should experience as well.
The Presentation Theatre, open only for special events, such as lectures and movies, features a state-of-the-art 18 x 31 foot ultra-4k video wall, a stage, and a built-in turntable. In addition, the stadium seating is perfect for viewing the large screen.
Also high on the list would be a stop into the Savoy Cafe. Besides offering a panoramic view of the museum’s immaculately landscaped showgrounds, the ceiling alone is worth stepping inside to see. Once there, be sure to look up and enjoy the giant red wire-spoked wheel and white tire feature.
Also of note, there is an extensive non-circulating Reference Library & Archives, two Private Dining Rooms, and the Savoy Store.
Naming The Museum
Trivia lovers will appreciate this kernel of knowledge. Initially, they set out to name the museum by soliciting ideas from employees.
As fate would have it, the name came to them. While clearing the land for construction, workers came across an abandoned, rusted 1954 Plymouth Savoy.
So taken by the discovery, they chose to name the car museum the Savoy in honor of the field-find. They even took it a step further by parking the rusted shell on the entrance side of the building.
So, as you come in from the parking lot, glance to your right. You’ll see the museum’s namesake soaking up the Georgia sunshine.
Refreshing and Exhilarating
Savoy Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, elevates the reverence of the automobile culture to the level it most assuredly deserves.
The 360-degree viewing of these historic vehicles grants you unprecedented access that is both refreshing and exhilarating.
In the time-honored tradition of fine art museums, Savoy Museum celebrates the artistic expression of the automobile.
Museum Information
Savoy Automobile Museum:
3 Savoy Lane
Cartersville, GA 30120
P: 770-416-1500
Email: [email protected]
- Admission to The Savoy Musem:
- General Admission: $15
- Youth (ages 3 – 12): $5
- Days Open: Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 5 pm
Visit their website at savoymuseum.org
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