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Dayton, OH

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America's Packard Museum

4.5 (24 reviews)
Closed • 12:00 pm - 5:00 PM

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Easy to find with this old dealership sign
Matthew B.

It helps if you love cars. And if you're familiar with the wonderful history of Packards, this is definitely a place to visit. Since it's housed in a former Packard dealership, there are plenty of remnants of that existence in addition to the fine automobiles. In fact, it's the most unique thing about this museum. Highly recommended for anyone with a love for fine automobiles.

Mark K.

I had been here before and liked it; hasn't changed much. I had some time on a Dayton trip so I stopped back. It's in an old dealership, a beautiful building. Dozens of cars, all Packards, are arranged inside. Beautifully restored, interesting specimens. There's some history of the company on the walls, and nice placards on the cars. The price is very reasonable (I think $6,) and staff are friendly. Well worth a visit if you are at all interested in cars, or history in general. Packard also built aviation and marine engines, and there are small displays about that. Mainly I just wandered among the cars, taking in their beauty. There are areas like the service bays preserved, pretty interesting for history and car buffs.

Paul L.

Many car museums seem to be in buildings that reflect their owners' egos. That is not always a good thing. This car museum is different: it's in a showroom and service center from the old days. Step inside and walk into a true time capsule. Cars are only one part of the story here. The furniture, lighting, flooring, and paint schemes have seemingly been simply dusted off throughout the years. There aren't a lot of cars on display compared to most other car museums but this place is devoted to the Packard and their are some great examples on display in the two buildings that comprise this museum. (I'm ready to buy the polished black Jesse Vincent Speedster on display but I doubt they take Apple Pay.) Also on display are car accessories, advertising items -- including styling models, paint, and car parts -- bicycles, engines, and an entire technician repair area. Personal transportation occupies a short time in human history and the future seems ever closer to giving us at least a portion of the Jetsons lifestyle. Will we be riding in self-driving automobiles on demand by the Ubers of the world? If so, cataloguing this incredibly important part of human existence is crucial. While we take the current role of the car for granted, our grandchildren may look at this modern version of the horse and buggy in utter amazement.

Original 1917 dealership.

Hidden gem. If you are anywhere near Dayton and love cars this is a must see. Bob walked us around and had lots of information for us. We really enjoyed ourselves.

The Citizens Motorcar Co. of Dayton, OH back in the day.
Andy R.

This museum is a labor of love. Not only a love for cars, but one far more profound. The Citizen's Motor Car Company was the Packard dealership in Dayton OH. The entire building has been beautifully restored as it was in the 'Golden Age' of motoring, complete with an extensive collection of ephemera, documents, and 50 of the most luxurious and beautiful automobiles ever crafted. Not built--crafted. In early 20th Century America, if you wanted a luxury car, you bought a chassis for about $10,000 (just for the frame, engine, drivetrain, wheels, axles) from Packard. Then your Packard dealer commissioned a carrossier to build the body, interior and paint to customer specs. Thus the term 'custom' applied to nearly every Packard produced in the 1920s-30s. My favorite piece is THE 1903 Packard Grey Wolf racer that set the 1904 Measured Mile World Record of 77 MPH with W.K. Vanderbilt, Jr. at the wheel. Look closely at the pictures and try to imagine it. Remember, this was a time when 'Blacksmith' was still a viable vocation. My father and I visited some time ago and were greeted warmly at the door by an elderly gentleman who introduced himself simply as Bob. He gave us a personalized tour, demonstrating all of the hidden features on these glorious creations. His knowledge was encyclopedic (rich with anecdote) having restored a good many Packards with his son. Bob's son, a successful attorney, restored this beautiful building, expanded this collection and today shares it with all of us. During our visit, it was impossible not to notice that we were sharing in something much greater than cars, but of the bond between Bob Sr. and his son. I am grateful to have met him. Additionally, CMCC stocks parts for Packards and keeps a fleet of exceptional models for limousine service.

Joe T.

I wish this place had more reviews and more visitors. The day I visited, there was only 1 other visitor. Staff is very friendly and informative. They can give you a tour or you can walk around by yourself. It is not just the cars but building itself. A staff member educated me that the building is a former Packard Dealership. They have some of the old office space from the sales floor and a lot of the items you find in a dealership garage. It is definitely worth a visit. The cars are beautiful. Spread out among 2 buildings, there is plenty to see in an hour or two. Packard just did not make cars, they also made engines for WWII PT boats. An interesting fact you can read about in building 2. They also have the some historical cars on display. One was used in The Godfather movie. A great place to stop in. It is street parking. and is not far from downtown Dayton.

The Packard Museum
Kevin F.

I am absolutely disappointed in myself! I am disappointed in the fact that I've driven by this place multiple times & have never stopped! That all changed last week as my father & I were driving home from lunch. We drove by the Packard Museum & we both noticed it was open. My dad suggested that we go in & the rest is history. We walked into a part of Dayton history. The museum is one of the last Packard dealerships in existence & it's like stepping back in time. Music from the 1930's plays over the sound system as you wander around the museum. The Cars are magnificent as are the offices that were a part of the original dealership. If you like a retro vibe, this is the place for you! My father & I chatted with a volunteer named Dick who gave us a great overview of Packard automobiles & the museum. The cars are amazing, the building is full of character & you are transported into a much classier time. This is definitely a hidden gym in Dayton. The museum is open 7 days per week & it is very affordable! Check this place out & appreciate an era of craftsmanship.

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11 years ago

Awesome. The curators are super helpful and available to answer any questions you may have. Truly a relic.

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10 years ago

The Museum is great, but some of it's business practices are far from honest or ethical. I would never donate or purchase from them again

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11 years ago

A true hidden gem! The owners were funny and friendly. The place was beautiful with funny murals. The cars simply astounding!

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Review Highlights - America's Packard Museum

“Great collection of cars as well as all the accessories you would find in a working Packard dealership.”

Mentioned in 3 reviews

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America's Packard Museum - museums - Updated October 2026

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