Museum Autovision

About the museum

The museum was founded by electronics entrepreneur Horst Schultz, who, after selling his company, had his own exhibition building constructed in Altlußheim near Hockenheim. AUTOVISION opened its doors in 2002. From the start, it combined a look back at vehicle history with a look ahead at alternative drive systems – an unusual concept at the time.

In November 2010 the Karlsruhe regional council recognized the nonprofit Museum AUTOVISION Horst und Brigitte Schultz Stiftung. Its purpose is to promote education and research related to mobility, especially for young people before they choose a career. This gave rise to the Technologie-Arena, an out-of-school learning space with numerous hands-on models on physics and vehicle technology. In 2016 the museum was expanded with a new building.

Today the exhibition is laid out as a journey through time across six halls on three floors. It starts with Karl Drais's running machine and continues through one of the most extensive NSU collections, a large permanent exhibition on the Wankel engine including Felix Wankel's study, and a Bugatti hall, all the way to electric, hybrid and hydrogen vehicles. The museum's own workshop has built faithful replicas of several vehicles, such as the first electric car from 1881. A museum festival with a classic car show takes place every year on Corpus Christi.

Highlights

• World's largest NSU collection with bicycles, motorcycles and automobiles
• Permanent exhibition on the Wankel engine with more than 80 engines and Felix Wankel's original study
• Cutaway model of the NSU Ro 80 from the 1967 IAA motor show
• Bugatti hall "The Last French Bugattis" with a Type 57
• Roadworthy replica of the first electric car from 1881
• Technologie-Arena with more than 80 hands-on learning models

Permanent exhibitions

• NSU-Museum Vor- und Nachkrieg – Two halls trace the development of the bicycle, motorcycle and car through the NSU brand, from its beginnings to the postwar economic miracle, motorsport and world records.
• Der Wankelmotor – Permanent exhibition with more than 80 rotary engines, Wankel cars, motorcycles and boats, plus Felix Wankel's study, on loan from the City of Heidelberg.
• Mobilität der Zukunft – Electric, hybrid and hydrogen vehicles, battery technology and alternative fuels, complemented by changing concept vehicles from the industry.

Founded

2002

Operated by

Museum AUTOVISION Horst und Brigitte Schultz Stiftung

Admission & discounts

Prices valid since October 2022. No surcharge for the Bugatti engine exhibition and special areas. Museum gift vouchers available.

Accessibility

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

According to the museum, the exhibition areas on three floors and several galleries can almost all be reached by elevator. Dogs and other pets are not allowed for conservation reasons (no information given on assistance dogs).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

In the exhibition on the mobility of the future, children accompanied by adults can try out all the functions of an e-scooter and then receive a free “EV driver's license.” Hands-on station on starter motor technology in the Technology Arena. Parent-child ticket; children up to age 6 free when accompanied.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

Coffee lounge in Viennese coffeehouse style on the upper floor, 1950s-style snack point with a vending machine, self-service cinema. Sales of the museum's own books. Solar charging station for electric cars.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

The "Forum" lecture hall with stage, audio and projector equipment can be booked for talks, presentations and other events (inquiries via form).

Plan your visit