Towering above us, a vintage airplane graces the rooftop. This is Da Capo Oldtimermuseum. It is a place where history and automotive elegance intertwine. Welcome to a journey through time.
Da Capo resides in Leipzig’s Plagwitz district. The museum occupies a building with a rich past. It once belonged to the Bodenbearbeitungsgerätewerk Leipzig. This factory produced agricultural machinery. Rudolph Sack founded it in 1863. By 1913, his company employed 2,000 people. It was a leading German manufacturer.
After the Second World War, the factory became state-owned. It continued producing machinery until the end of the GDR era. In the 1990s, Manfred Rüber acquired the area. He transformed the former factory into Da Capo. The museum opened its doors in 2000.
Initially, Rüber’s collection filled the museum. However, he later faced insolvency. Hotel Michaelis GmbH took over the operation in 2002. Rüber’s car collection was sold in 2007. With Stefan Werner’s help, a new collection emerged.
Today, Da Capo showcases a variety of classic cars. These vehicles come from England, America, the Czech Republic, and Germany. The cars are on loan from private collectors.
Among the gems is a Renault Type EF from 1914. It gained fame for its appearance in the movie Titanic. Imagine this vehicle amidst the film’s grandeur.
Originally, the museum displayed cars predominantly from the USA. These included Auburns from the 1930s. Also featured were Buicks, Cadillacs, and Corvettes. A Hispano-Suiza K 6 from 1937 added European flair.
Da Capo is not just a museum. It is also an event venue. The elegant factory hall hosts banquets, galas, and conferences. Its industrial design and vintage charm create a unique atmosphere. The IL-18 airplane on the roof adds to the ambiance.
The Da Capo team offers tailored catering and creative programs. They help to create memorable events. You can also enjoy Sunday brunch surrounded by classic cars. It is a perfect blend of culinary delight and automotive nostalgia.
Da Capo has evolved over the years. It has transformed from a factory to a museum and event space. Today, it stands as a testament to Leipzig’s industrial heritage. It showcases the timeless beauty of classic automobiles. As we conclude our visit, remember the stories these cars hold. They are echoes of a bygone era.