The Nethercutt Collection
4.9(1.4K)google
4.8(50)yelp
EducationalMotorsportHistory
Overview
This world-class vehicle museum showcases an unparalleled collection of meticulously restored antique, classic, and historic automobiles. Beyond rare motorcars, visitors can marvel at a magnificent collection of grand mechanical musical instruments, including automated orchestrions and a massive theater pipe organ.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-3 hours
Best TimeVisiting at the 10:00 AM opening from Thursday through Saturday is highly recommended. While the main museum is self-guided, viewing the premier 'Grand Salon' and historic automated musical instruments requires booking a free guided tour online in advance to hear the rare orchestrions play.
Getting ThereLocated in Sylmar in the northern San Fernando Valley. No subway is available; driving is essential. Take Interstate 5 North, exit at Roxford St, and turn onto Bledsoe St. Large, completely free surface parking lots are located right in front of the museum.
Travel Tips
- The collection spans two facilities: the main Museum building allows free walk-in access during public hours; however, the spectacular 'Music Room' building housing mechanical musical instruments and pristine vintage cars strictly requires booking a Guided Tour weeks in advance on their site.
- No glass barriers isolate the multi-million dollar vehicles, making it vital that guests never touch the paint, open doors, or lean on displays; inside areas feature high-grade carpeting where outside snacks, colored drinks, and sharp-tipped tripods are strictly banned.
- Located in Sylmar in northern LA, public transit options are negligible, so driving is recommended—the venue offers a large, entirely free parking lot. The facility is only open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, remaining closed Sunday through Wednesday.
Reviews
Positive
- This is an absolute paradise for classic car lovers! The grand salon showcases dozens of immaculately restored, gleaming vintage cars with unrivaled visual impact.
- It is completely free to the public, and even the dedicated parking lot offers free spaces; given the museum-grade rarity of the collection, the value is unbelievable.
- Beyond classic automobiles, it houses a stunning collection of mechanical musical instruments and a massive pipe organ, with live demonstrations offering great auditory thrills.
- The staff are warm, knowledgeable, and incredibly courteous, eager to share the histories behind each vehicle; the park's maintenance and order are flawless.
- The antique cars, mechanical instruments, and steam locomotives on display are stunningly exquisite, and maintained so perfectly they look factory-new.
- Unbelievably, this world-class private museum and music hall is completely free to the public, taking its value and sincerity to the absolute maximum.
- Most staff and docents are passionate, professional volunteers who are extremely warm and know the historical details of every car inside out.
- The grounds are quiet and elegant, interior order is well-managed, crowds are moderate, and there is zero commercial noise, allowing a peaceful visit.
Heads up
- The location is highly remote, situated in the industrial area of Sylmar in northern LA; public transit is hard to use, making accessibility poor without driving.
- The Music Room containing the best automated instruments requires booking a guided tour via phone in advance; due to limited capacity, spots are very hard to secure.
- Because the artifacts are priceless private collections, strict 'do not touch' policies apply, and certain barrier ropes restrict your freedom to examine cars up close.
- The surrounding area is purely industrial and residential, and there are no cafes inside, making it tough to find walkable dining options after a visit.
- Operating hours are very limited, usually open only a few days a week, and the amazing mechanical instrument tour requires online booking way in advance.
- The interior has strict touching restrictions for children, most rare items are strictly hands-off, and signs are in English, making it less ideal for toddlers.