Few inventions have shaped America quite like the automobile.

For more than a century, cars and motorcycles have connected communities, fueled economic growth, inspired innovation, and become woven into the fabric of everyday life. As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, there is perhaps no better place to reflect on that journey than at LeMay – America’s Car Museum in Tacoma.

This summer, the Museum invites visitors to experience American Built, a new exhibition celebrating the ingenuity, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit that helped transform the United States into a nation on the move. 

Located just south of Seattle, LeMay – America’s Car Museum is home to one of the largest and most diverse automotive collections in North America. The Museum’s newest exhibition explores nearly eight decades of American transportation history through a carefully curated collection of automobiles and motorcycles representing more than a dozen manufacturers.

From the earliest years of the automobile industry through the muscle car era and beyond, American Built tells the story of a nation constantly pushing forward. Visitors can trace the evolution of design, engineering, manufacturing, and mobility while discovering how these machines reflected the values, ambitions, and cultural shifts of their time. 

More than just a display of beautiful vehicles, the exhibition examines the role transportation has played in shaping American life. Cars gave families the freedom to travel farther than ever before. Motorcycles embodied independence and adventure. Manufacturers drove technological breakthroughs that influenced industries well beyond transportation. 

Together, these vehicles tell a larger story about American creativity and determination.

The exhibition arrives at a fitting moment. In 2026, communities across the country are commemorating America’s 250th birthday by reflecting on the people, innovations, and achievements that helped define the nation. American Built offers a unique lens through which to explore that history.

Visitors will encounter vehicles that represent pivotal moments in American manufacturing and design, each contributing to a broader narrative of progress and innovation. The exhibition highlights not only the machines themselves but also the visionaries, engineers, craftspeople, and workers whose ideas brought them to life.

For families visiting the Seattle region, American Built provides an engaging way to connect with history through tangible artifacts that span generations. Parents and grandparents may recognize vehicles from their own lives, while younger visitors can gain a new appreciation for the innovations that shaped the world around them.

The exhibition also serves as a reminder that the automobile remains one of America’s most influential cultural exports. From road trips and racing to design and engineering, American automotive innovation continues to impact communities across the globe.

While visiting American Built, guests can explore everything else the Museum has to offer. Four floors of exhibits feature more than 300 vehicles, rotating exhibitions, interactive experiences, racing simulators, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at El Koreano at LeMay – America’s Car Museum, serving Korean-Mexican fusion alongside traditional café favorites.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, exploring the South Sound, or looking for a memorable addition to your Seattle itinerary, American Built offers an inspiring look at the machines that helped drive America forward.

As the nation celebrates 250 years of history, innovation, and achievement, LeMay – America’s Car Museum invites you to experience the vehicles that helped make it all possible. 

Get your tickets today and discover the story of America through the machines it built.