The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum occupies the original 1930s Art Deco national headquarters of the Auburn Automobile Company, a National Historic Landmark in Auburn, Indiana.
This guide was updated in August 2026. The museum’s own adult admission is $15, though several major booking platforms list it closer to $19.24 — worth booking directly or checking the source before you pay a markup. You can book your admission ticket in advance through Viator.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1600 S Wayne St, Auburn, IN 46706 |
| Hours | Open daily, 9am–5pm |
| Adult admission | $15.00 |
| Children under 18 | $10.00 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| Nearest transport | Free parking across three on-site lots |
| Typical visit duration | 1.5–3 hours |
Why book Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum tickets?
- 🏛️ A National Historic Landmark: Housed in the original 1930s Art Deco headquarters of the Auburn Automobile Company.
- 🎟️ Check the price before booking: The museum’s own adult rate is $15, though some resellers list it closer to $19.
- 🌿 120+ automobiles on three floors: Including the Duesenberg Model J and the Cord L-29.
- 📜 Museums for All: SNAP/EBT cardholders get free admission for up to four people.
- 💰 Combine with next door: A Campus Rate covers both this museum and the National Auto & Truck Museum.
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum opening hours
The museum is open seven days a week, 9am to 5pm. It’s closed only on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum ticket prices
Admission is priced by age, with a family rate and a combined campus option available.
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | $15.00 |
| Children under 18 | $10.00 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| Family Rate (parents + dependent children 18 and under, same address) | $42.00 |
A combined Campus Rate, covering both this museum and the neighbouring National Auto & Truck Museum, costs $25 for adults, $15 for children 6–18, and $60 for a family. SNAP/EBT cardholders can present their card for free admission for up to four people through the Museums for All programme. Adult groups of 10 or more pay $13 per person, with reservations required at least a week in advance. Book in advance through Viator to lock in the official rate.
How to get to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum
Auburn sits at the intersection of I-69 and State Road 8, also reachable via I-69 and County Road 11-A, about 20 miles north of Fort Wayne and 35 miles south of the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/I-90). From further afield, South Bend is about 1.25 hours away, Indianapolis roughly 2.25 hours, and Chicago around 3 hours.
Parking at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum
Free parking is available across three on-site lots. The Main Lot, on the building’s north side, offers more than 100 spaces, including motorcycle and accessible parking, with curbside bus drop-off. The Education & Exhibit Plaza, to the west, accommodates buses, RVs, and trailers up to 44 feet, with more than four overnight spaces and free electricity available with a donation (though no water hookup, and calling ahead is recommended). The South Side Lot handles overflow parking for automobiles only.
How long to spend at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum
Most visitors spend 1.5 to 3 hours working through the three floors, depending on how much time they linger over the collection and the Engineering and Technology Gallery.
Accessibility at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum
The museum is fully ADA compliant, with an elevator serving all three floors and ample seating throughout. Manual wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What to see at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum
The Showroom, on the ground floor, retains its original 1930s Art Deco detailing and grand staircase, setting the tone for the rest of the visit.
The collection spans more than 120 automobiles across three floors, including the Duesenberg Model J and the Cord L-29, alongside vehicles from the 1890s through the 1990s.
The second-floor mezzanine houses a fine art gallery, the museum’s archives, and its education area.
The Engineering and Technology Gallery, on the third floor, displays engines on full view, since the cars’ own hoods stay closed to protect them from dust and warping.
A dedicated photo exhibit lets visitors sit inside a car in front of a driving backdrop, a favourite stop for photos.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Check the price before booking | Some third-party platforms charge more than the museum’s own $15 rate. |
| Don’t touch the cars | Even fingertip oils can leave permanent marks on the paint and metal. |
| Combine with the museum next door | The Campus Rate covers both this museum and the National Auto & Truck Museum. |
| RVers can park overnight | The Education & Exhibit Plaza has spaces up to 44 feet, with free electricity available with a donation. |
| Book docent-led tours two weeks ahead | $20 per docent, recommended for groups of 20 or more. |
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the opening hours? | Open seven days a week, 9am to 5pm; closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. |
| How much does admission cost? | $15 for adults and $10 for children under 18; children under 6 are free. |
| Is it wheelchair accessible? | Yes, fully ADA compliant, with an elevator serving all three floors. |
| Is parking free? | Yes, free parking is available across three on-site lots, including RV and overnight spaces. |
| Can I combine this with another museum? | Yes, the Campus Rate covers both this museum and the neighbouring National Auto & Truck Museum. |
Things to do near the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum
The National Auto & Truck Museum (NATMUS), directly behind the museum, displays more than 150 vehicles and one of the country’s largest petroliana collections.
The Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum, also in Auburn, focuses on Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles from 1932 to 1953.
The Kruse Automobile and Carriage Museum, nearby, pairs classic cars and racecars with a collection of horse-drawn carriages.
The National Military History Center, in Auburn, displays 147 military vehicles alongside period uniforms.
The Hoosier Air Museum, also close by, showcases vintage and military aircraft.
What to visit tomorrow
The Studebaker National Museum, in South Bend, about 1.25 hours away, traces 150 years of automotive history from the Studebaker family’s original Conestoga wagons through their final production cars, and holds the country’s most extensive Presidential carriage collection.
For dedicated enthusiasts willing to go further, the Gilmore Car Museum, in Hickory Corners, Michigan, is regarded as North America’s largest auto museum, with 400+ vehicles across a 90-acre historic campus — though it’s a longer drive, well beyond a comfortable day trip from Auburn.
More Indiana travel
Other Indiana travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Plan your visit to the Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarkesville, Indiana.
- Practical guide to visiting the RV Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Indiana.
- The best stops on the South Bend to Chicago drive.
- Road trips from Indianapolis: Plan out your Indianapolis to Chicago drive, Indianapolis to Cleveland drive, Indianapolis to Philadelphia drive, Indianapolis to Pittsburgh drive and Indianapolis to St Louis drive.
- Getting to Indianapolis: The best stops on the Columbus to Indianapolis drive, Detroit to Indianapolis drive and Louisville to Indianapolis drive,
