Cars can connect people from all over the world, so it's only fitting that a love of automobiles can bring you across the globe. Travelers who want to learn more about the history of their beloved rides should consider trekking out to one of these locations, where they can find car museums that showcase everything from original models and futuristic concepts to vehicles made famous by pop culture.
Mercedes-Benz Museum
The next time you're in Germany, head over to Stuttgart, where Mercedes-Benz has a 177,000-square-foot building dedicated to the history of their brand. With nine levels built up on what is known as the birthplace of Europe's automobile, the museum traces the evolution of cars, starting around the time of the 1996 Daimler motorized carriage and moving up through years of auto repair to modern-day luxury cars.
If nothing else, the building is also an example of some sleek modern architecture, so travelers will enjoy the view as they tour through the exhibits and check out the 160 cars on display. The museum also boasts a restaurant and some kid-friendly activities, making it accessible to families or groups who want to scope out the history of the automobile.
The Lamborghini Museum
Just north of Florence and Bologna in Italy is a small town called Sant'Agata Bolognese, where car lovers can find The Lamborghini Museum. In addition to extremely rare automobiles, such as the Reventon and the Aventador, which appeared in the film "The Dark Knight Rises," visitors can get a glimpse of the production factory where workers are constructing the world-class models.
Nearby is the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena or the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, so travelers who are big fans of Italian luxury rides can check out some of the most famous brands and the history behind their creation.
National Corvette Museum
Bowling Green, Kentucky, is home to one of the premier car museums in the U.S. - the National Corvette Museum. Popular attractions include the 1953 Corvette, from the first year the car was produced, and a new motorsports park will open later this year, complete with a road and autocross course. Corvette will celebrate its 60th anniversary later in 2013, so it could be the right time to check out the different models on display at the Kentucky museum.