M24 – Musée du Sport Automobile

About the museum

The museum was founded in 1961 on the initiative of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), very close to the Circuit de la Sarthe, with an initial collection of 65 vehicles. In 1991 it moved to a larger building of about 4,000 m² near the circuit’s main entrance. In 2009 a new presentation made the 24 Hours of Le Mans the thread running through automotive history, with about 140 vehicles.

The ACO bought the museum in 2017 to make it a major cultural hub for the site. Special exhibitions followed, including the race’s centenary in 2023, which brought together 80 cars that had competed at Le Mans. The museum closed to the public in July 2025 for major extension works, which brought its total area to 8,600 m².

The new M24 – Musée du Sport Automobile opened at the end of May 2026, marking the ACO’s 120th anniversary. It is run by the company MACO, which brings together the ACO and Richard Mille. The route is no longer limited to the 24 Hours of Le Mans: it also presents Formula 1, rallying and IndyCar. A glass-walled workshop lets visitors see the teams who maintain the collection’s vehicles, and the ticket can be combined with a visit to the circuit.

Highlights

• Route devoted to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, from the start through the night and the pits to the finish
• “Le Mans au 1/43” room with miniatures of every edition of the race
• Areas devoted to Formula 1, rallying and IndyCar
• Restoration workshop visible through large glass windows
• Guided circuit tours: race control, the podium and the announcer’s booth

Permanent exhibitions

• Les 24 Heures du Mans – Staged route following the race from the start to the finish, with the night, the pits and the victory.
• Le Mans au 1/43 – Miniature collection reproducing competitors from each edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
• La Formule 1 – Space tracing the evolution of single-seaters and the great rivalries since the first world championship.

Founded

1961

Operated by

Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) et Richard Mille, au sein de la société MACO

Admission & discounts

The ticket is personal and dated. Museum admission can be used only once, and leaving is final. The ticket gives access to the temporary exhibition. Tickets are neither refundable nor exchangeable. ACO members get one free first visit, then €10 for subsequent visits. Payment by bank card, cash or paper holiday vouchers; the Pass Culture is not accepted.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

All areas of the museum and the circuit are accessible, including restrooms and elevators. Assistance dogs are welcome; other animals are not allowed. An easy-read booklet is available to download. The circuit guided tour is announced as accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

A family area extends the visit through play, and the Materials library invites visitors to touch various materials used in racing. A baby area is listed among the museum’s services. Free admission for under-6s.

Getting there & parking

The museum is next to place Luigi Chinetti, near the circuit. During major circuit events, car parks are reserved for spectators and access can be difficult. From Le Mans station, you can also come by bus or taxi.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Coat check

Fast-food cafeteria and a lounge area. Eating and drinking are forbidden in the museum rooms. The museum is air-conditioned and heated.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 110 guests.

Four seminar spaces: two modular Grand Prix rooms (up to 110 people, 140 m² combined), an Indianapolis meeting room (18 people) and a glass-walled lounge (18 seated people). Catering and visits of the museum or behind-the-scenes circuit tours are possible.

Plan your visit