06 Jan Newport Car Museum Leans into 2026 After Standout Year
Record Attendance, Major Awards, and Gallery Enhancements Continue
PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (January 7, 2026) – The Newport Car Museum is racing into 2026 with record momentum. In 2025, attendance climbed more than 10 percent to over 60,000 visitors, and the Museum earned its fourth Tripadvisor® distinction as one of the Top 10% of Attractions Worldwide and first-ever Yelp® “Beloved Business” designation.
As the New Year begins, the Museum has nearly completed a full upgrade of theatrical stage lighting across all seven galleries, further elevating the presentation of its private collection of over 100 cars (all on display at once). It has added a now-strongly demanded Private Early Bird Tour and expanded its digital presence with the launch of a TikTok channel, cornering a young adult audience that has proven it will travel hundreds of miles for automotive history done right.
Visitors of all ages and backgrounds travel from across the United States and from as far as New Zealand, Europe, and Canada to experience the Museum’s striking display of automobiles spanning the 1950s to today. The collection ranges from distinctive Fin Cars, Mopars and American Muscle to Mustangs, Corvettes and modern European exotics, all showcased within an immersive exhibition space equivalent to the size of an NFL football field, end zones included. The result is a bold, colorful, and unforgettable exploration of automotive history as art, complete with engaging docents, welcoming staff, and a show-stopping gift shop that earns its place as an eighth gallery.
“Literally every corner has something that makes you stop and stare,” said Gerry Dufault of Somerset, Massachusetts, bringing his brother along for a third visit to the Museum. “I like the older cars; my brother is into British cars, but it doesn’t really matter. Every one of them is a work of art. These cars weren’t built in a week; they are the result of years of engineering.”
When guests enter, a bright red 1989 Lamborghini Countach slowly spins atop a white turntable against a vibrant green backdrop, setting the tone for the journey ahead. Representing the 1980s in the World Car Gallery, the Countach anchors a decade-by-decade showcase that includes such stunners as:
· 1954 Kaiser Darrin 161 (1950s) – Fin Car Gallery
· 1965 Ford Shelby 427 SC Cobra (1960s) – Ford/Shelby Gallery
· 1979 Porsche 930 Turbo (1970s) – Porsche Gallery
· 1993 Jaguar XJ220 (1990s) – World Car Gallery
· 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 (2000s) – Mopar Gallery
· 2019 Corvette ZR1 (2010s) – Corvette Gallery
· 2021 Mustang Shelby GT500KR (2020s) – Ford/Shelby Gallery
While the collection focuses primarily on post-WWII automobiles, the Museum includes a thoughtful nod to automotive origins with a gleaming replica of the 1886 Mercedes-Benz Patent Motorwagen, honoring both the first automobile and its pioneering driver, Bertha Benz. A playful contrast comes in the form of a classic Little Tikes® Cozy Coupe, delighting visitors of all ages and underscoring the Museum’s inclusive, multi-generational appeal. Throughout the galleries, vehicles and their interiors are completely unobstructed (no ropes) and are paired with award-winning videos, specially commissioned artwork, music and Mid-Century Modern furniture that provide historical and cultural context.
Special events continue to fuel enthusiasm year-round. Hoods Up! Weekend, held the second weekend of every month, gives visitors a rare look under the hood. Father’s Day, when dads receive free admission, draws nearly 1,000 visitors for the day, and signature events such as the Early Bird Tour, Lamborghini Bull Run, Mustang Day, Car Talks, Cruise-ins, and Car Shows keep the calendar – and the parking lot – buzzing. Best of all, the Museum has committed to keeping the collection dynamic, as it did in 2025 when it added a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, a 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992), and a Tesla CYBERBEAST (displayed outdoors with fan-inspired graphics).
“All signs point to a very good year behind us and an even better one ahead,” said Head Docent Vincent Moretti.