Vilnius: Auto Museum Entry Ticket & Restored Car Tour

Summary

Vintage cars restored by locals rare finds near Vilnius old town

You’ll meet Vilnius locals who restore classic cars right before your eyes, hear stories about wild owners (Coco Chanel? Einstein?), and wander among over 100 rare vehicles in a living workshop-museum just minutes from the old town. Expect oil smells, laughter over mispronounced French names, and a real sense of how history rolls forward on four wheels.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that happened was the guy at the front desk — Tomas, I think — grinned when he saw my confusion over the ticket machine. He just waved me in and said something about “old machines, new problems.” That set the tone. The Auto Museum in Vilnius isn’t one of those sterile places where you tiptoe around velvet ropes. It’s five minutes from the old town, but it feels like you’ve stepped into someone’s workshop crossed with a time capsule.

I kept getting distracted by the smell — oil and varnish, maybe a bit of metal dust? There’s this whole restoration workshop right there behind glass, and you can see people actually fixing up these ancient Delage or Lancia Astura beauties. Our guide (Ruta? Rūta?) pointed out a Buick with paint so perfect it looked wet. She told us how locals here spend months on a single part, sometimes arguing about which shade of green is “historically correct.” I tried to pronounce “Delaunay-Belleville” and she laughed — apparently I butchered it, but honestly, who wouldn’t?

The stories are what got me. There’s a Messerschmitt that survived more than one owner fleeing borders, and a Hispano Suiza that once belonged to someone famous — Ruta dropped Coco Chanel’s name like it was no big deal. I didn’t expect to care about car history, but standing next to something Einstein supposedly rode in just hits different. The light inside is soft and kind of golden in late afternoon; makes all the chrome pop.

I still think about that feeling — being surrounded by machines built before anyone could text or tweet or whatever. You get this sense of how many hands have touched each car, how many arguments or jokes must’ve happened in that workshop out back. Anyway, if you’re even half-curious about cars or just want to see what Vilnius locals can do with some patience and a lot of grease under their nails… well, you’ll probably end up staying longer than planned.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Vilnius Auto Museum

• Arrive at Vilnius Auto Museum
• Explore over 100 restored exhibits
• Learn about 150 years of transport history
• See vehicles from early 20th century manufacturers
• Visit the museum's restoration workshop
• Experience stories of famous vehicle owners

Top questions

How far is the Auto Museum from Vilnius Old Town?

It’s about 5 minutes from Vilnius Old Town by car or public transport.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Auto Museum is fully wheelchair accessible.

Are there any famous cars or owners featured?

Yes—cars linked to Coco Chanel, Paul McCartney, Albert Einstein are mentioned in the exhibits.

Can you see restoration work happening live?

Yes, visitors can view local craftsmen restoring vehicles through glass panels inside the museum.

Is parking included with admission?

Yes, parking is included with your ticket.

Are children or strollers allowed inside?

Yes—infants and small children can use prams or strollers throughout the museum.

How many exhibits are there at the museum?

The collection features over 100 restored or preserved vehicles.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

No booking requirement is specified; tickets are available at entry.

What’s included

Your admission covers full access to all exhibits plus on-site parking; it’s wheelchair-friendly and suitable for families with strollers or prams. Public transportation stops nearby make getting there easy from central Vilnius.