Welcome to the California Automobile Museum in Sacramento, CA! We are proud to celebrate the history, art, and technology of automobiles and their significant impact on California culture. Our mission is to preserve, exhibit, and teach the story of the automobile and its influence on our lives. Our journey began in 1982 when a group of passionate volunteers came together to establish the first auto museum in the West, located in Sacramento.

Through their dedication, the California Vehicle Foundation (CVF) was formed, and the museum became a reality on October 5, 1983. Our initial collection included a beautifully restored 1938 Buick sedan generously donated by John Joyce, president of the Golden One Credit Union. Over the years, our collection expanded thanks to the generosity of individuals like Edward Towe, who offered his extensive Ford collection and helped us transform a warehouse into a stunning museum.

In 1987, we opened our doors to the public as the Towe Ford Museum, attracting visitors from far and wide. However, our journey continued to evolve. In the mid-90s, the Towe collection faced challenges, and our museum underwent a transformation, becoming the Towe Auto Museum.

This change allowed us to showcase vehicles of all makes and models, expanding our story to encompass the broader history of the automobile. In 2009, as our mission expanded further, we officially became the California Automobile Museum. Today, we aim to educate and entertain visitors by displaying cars in eye-catching exhibits that tell the captivating story of the automobile's development and its impact on society.

Our collection consists of vehicles owned by the California Vehicle Foundation as well as those on loan from private exhibitors. We invite you to explore our museum, learn about our rich automotive history, and appreciate the beauty and innovation of the automobile. Join us on this incredible journey through time at the California Automobile Museum.

Visit us to experience the fascinating world of automobiles firsthand