What if I told you that you’re standing on the site of Nuremberg’s first dedicated automobile museum? Right here, in the northeastern district of Schafhof, the MERKS MOTOR MUSEUM Oldtimermuseum awaits, born from a family’s passion for vintage vehicles.
The story of the MERKS MOTOR MUSEUM Oldtimermuseum began in 1975, quite modestly with Claus Merk, a businessman, and his wife restoring a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 S Cabriolet. This sparked a passion that blossomed into a remarkable collection. By the 1990s, with the acquisition of the former Johann Schlee window factory, the stage was set. After a meticulous two-year restoration of the factory’s production hall, the MERKS MOTOR MUSEUM Oldtimermuseum opened its doors in April 2011.
Today, the museum houses an impressive collection of 90 automobiles and 100 motorcycles. It’s a celebration of automotive history! Yet, the MERKS MOTOR MUSEUM Oldtimermuseum goes beyond cars and motorcycles. Discover a fascinating collection of vintage telephones, typewriters, and radios – many reflecting Nuremberg’s own industrial heritage. Imagine stepping back in time with a 1930s kitchen setup and a 1950s office, all brought to life within these walls. The museum even boasts a collection of around 2,000 model cars!
But it’s more than just a museum. The MERKS MOTOR MUSEUM Oldtimermuseum is a cultural hub with a bistro and a museum shop. It’s a place for private celebrations and events, auctions and flea markets. It’s a testament to the enduring allure of vintage vehicles and the stories they tell.