If you are visiting Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum is a must see. Where else can you see around 1,000 motorcycles and a nice selection of cars? That’s right. This is the largest motorcycle collection in the world as recognized by Guinness World Records. Even if you are not a motorcycle guru, this place is impressive.
If you do visit, don’t forget to take a peak outside at the 880 acre park that includes a world class 16-turn, 2.38 miles racetrack.
You will see some pictures of the museum here, but this is just a tiny snapshot of everything available.
What To Do Here
While you are here, you can look at thousands of motorcycles and cars. The museum is divided into 5 floors and there are different exhibit areas based on years, manufacturers, etc. There is also a description so that you know what you are looking at.
When you visit, there are 5 floors that contain exhibits. It is recommended to take the elevator to the 5th floor and walk down each level. Outside of viewing the collections, there are short films at some of the exhibits to watch. These provide some insight into some of cycles.
You can quickly tour the facility in about 20 minutes which will allow you to see everything if you are in a super rush. However, if you are a motorcycle enthusiast, you can spend hours or even days here. Good thing they offer a weekend-pass.
I would also recommend that you take the bridge outside that allows you to walk over the racecourse. If you are lucky, you will see some cars using the track.
Here is a list of what you can find on each level:
5th Floor-Gallery
4th Floor
1900-1930’s
Post WWII Road Racing Exhibit
3rd Floor
1960-Current Exhibit
2nd Floor
Main Entrance
Racing Legends
Museum Store
Lotus Car Exhibit
1st Floor
1930-1960 Exhibit
Military Exhibit
Event Area
Basement
Restoration Area
Library
Surtees Room
Barber Room
The Motorcycle Collection
This collection is huge! There are over 1,600 motorcycles here, but usually there is around 900 on display. If you want a chance to see the larger collection, you will have to visit during a large event or book a private tour. Barber began collecting motorcycles in 1988
What types of motorcycles are here? They have Harley-Davidson, Honda, and Indian, Showa, DSK, and more. 22 different countries and 200 different manufacturers are represented here.
There are around 100 Harley Davidsons at the museum.
The Car Collection
Barber’s Museum is a motorcycle museum, but they do have some cars here. Mostly, they are racecars, and you will find a prized collection of Lotus racecars here.
Useful Information
Barber Motorsports Museum website
Hours:
April 1-September 30 Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm
October 1-March 31 Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm
*The Museum is closed during Major Holidays
Admission:
Adult Daily: $20 +tax
Child Daily: $15 +tax (Children ages 4-12)
Military: $18 +tax
Adult Weekend 3-Day Pass
(Fri – Sun): $40 +tax