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    Dwarf Car Museum

    4.9 (31 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

    Dwarf Car Museum Photos

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    Eric J.

    I've wanted to get to this museum for several years, and I finally made it today. And it was well worth the wait as well as the drive to get there. The is a great place to visit. The work he has done to build these dwarf cars, all of which actually run like real cars, is crazy amazing. Ginger made a great introduction to the place to get our visit started. You get to see the cars, but also all the equipment he developed so he could build the original cars. He made the body of the first car he built from old refrigerators! Plus he has all his old collections of model cars, Hot Wheels, etc.

    If you like excellent craftsmanship or if you're a gearhead or car enthusiast, this is a must see place to visit. You're free to roam around and check out all the cars, I would guess about a dozen. All scratch built inside and out!!!!!!!!!! They have Toyota drive trains and can be driven anywhere. Ernie is really cool to talk to. I can't say enough about this place. TWO THUMBS UP!!!!!!!!!

    36 Sedan
    Janet W.

    A diamond in the rough after 2 lane roads. Ernie Adam's took an idea and drove with it. Multiple cars dwarfed from 1910's delivery truck to 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air. A definite stop for your imagination to run wild and enjoy all automobile memorabilia.

    Dwarf delivery truck
    Darrellyn A.

    We met Ginger and Ernie. My husband was so happy to find this place and he and our son were able to speak with Ernie about his creations. The girls and I spoke with Ginger, his daughter in-law and she was delightful and very knowledgeable about every car. There are things to view inside and outside. There is a gift shop. Not sure if it was added after the review from 3 years ago, but the gift shop has t-shirts, books and a variety of nostalgia type things and toys you may remember from your youth and visiting a five and dime. Plan to spend about an hour to an hour and a half if you are super interested. We went on a super hot day and it was not bad temperature wise inside. If you are a car enthusiast and love interesting cars, every car in this collection is just amazing when you realize that every car is scaled down, working/drivable, and very detailed. Ernie's first car was made out of refrigerators!! There is a video to watch and you can see how he was able to scale down the tires and rims.

    Dwarf Car Museum, Maricopa AZ
    Bruce K.

    No charge for entry but they'll gladly take your donations. I had no trouble donating, buying a cold bottle of water and even getting a few post cards because this is pretty darned awesome. Great to meet the builder and his son who gave a great tour and explanation even though he's probably done it a million times. Ernie Adams built his first car in 1965, a 28 Chevy two-door sedan made from old refrigerators. Yes, I said refrigerators. It just went on from there and now he's bending and shaping steel and all sorts to make these FULLY FUNCTIONAL vehicles that are all just a little bit smaller than stock. You really have to make the journey to see this for yourself. It's amazing. [Review 17509 overall - 95 in Arizona - 1027 of 2022.]

    Fun random stop
    Rob M.

    A random stop I made during my travels in the desert. Pros: + Its a purely donation based stop. Leave what you feel is appropriate + All cars are built in house + A documentary video is on display which can burn some time during leisure travel + Almost all cars on display are completely functional + Friendly folks Cons: - It can be a little hot. You are in the desert Bottom line: More details are in my profile link, but totally worth a stop when exploring

    The dwarf car museum is absolutely worth the drive. Ernie's cars are immaculate and so fun to see. You can also see his workshop and projects in progress. His sons were very informative and friendly. The museum area also contains antiques and vintage toys. There is a "rust room" for visitors and also plenty to see outside the museum on the property. If you like cars or metal fabrication, you should visit!

    So much History and thank you to Ginger and Rick for telling us the history today. For anyone interested admission is 5.00.

    Gary R.

    I first saw this on YouTube a couple of years ago. I immediately added it to my bucket list of places to go. I finally had the opportunity as I was working in Phoenix this week. We arrived at 9 am and were the first ones there, which was great because we were treated like old friends when we walked in the door. The garage is a walk through automotive history, and feels like you are on site for an episode of American Pickers. The gentleman who build the cars Jean and Ernie, will share every aspect of what went I to building them with a knowledge of cars that leaves me feeling humble. Each dwarf car is not only an amazing piece of art, they are also functional road legal pieces of art. You soon realize when walking the garage and property that they are not running a museum. They are sharing acres of art with you. A quick walk around the property will introduce you to the Ernie's Garden, The pet cemetery and historic vehicles displayed in natural state of decay...which I find amazing. Keep in mind there is no store, or memorabilia to purchase, just simply a visitor log to sign and a donation box for donations to keep the place going. (They do have a small refrigerator with sodas for $.75.). Bring cash for donations and sodas. Take pictures, but I recommend talking and asking questions as that is where your real memories will be acquired. I give this a 5 out of 5 as it is a great detour from the freeway. If you are ever I the Phoenix area looking for a place to spend some time, swing down to Maricopa and be amazed at the art these men have created.

    "Little Bitty"
    Karla A.

    Doesn't look like much when you past by this place but, what a great surprise. This is totally a hidden gem. Dwarf repica cars made from scratch by 2 true artists Ernie Adams and Gene Tweedy. I wished I had more time to spend but we will be coming back to see the finished products. Gene was so friendly and welcoming and was explaining and answering all of questions. Thank you so much. Really enjoyed your place!

    Actually, very fun
    Robert C.

    Very fun. We had fun trip to Maricopa. The family that runs this place is delightful

    Entrance is through the doors into the warehouse.

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    2 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Lovely little museum, family owned and operated. Fun day trip with the kids! Lots of antiques and interesting bits!

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    4 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    9 months ago

    This place is great. Very great place to visit to see the skill and craftsmanship that is put into the cars.

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    2 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Really cool place owner builds car himself very different than what you would typically see going down the road!

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

    This is so awesome the beautiful craftsmanship of the cars are impressive to say the least

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    7 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Super cool place!! The guy who owns it is really nice and he has some videos playing in the back on how he makes the cars.

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    8 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Worth the stop! Great place with lots of history! Good parking. Ernie is still working in the shop!

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    Ask the Community - Dwarf Car Museum

    Review Highlights - Dwarf Car Museum

    My husband was so happy to find this place and he and our son were able to speak with Ernie about his creations.

    Mentioned in 11 reviews

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    Much more than we could absorb in one visit !! We are already planning our return. We never…read moreeven made it to the second floor where the boarding school exhibit was presented.

    After discovering the Heard Museum in the book "1000 Places to go Before You Die", we put it on the…read morelist of ''must sees' for a recent trip to Phoenix. TAKE THE LIGHT RAIL We took the light rail to the museum from our downtown hotel. There's a stop just down the road. GET A DISCOUNT The adult entry fee was $26 and we used our AAA membership for an exciting $1 off. I feel by the time you're paying $50+ for a couple, the cost is getting off-putting. LOCKERS AVAILABLE We used their complimentary storage lockers for our carry-on luggage as we were on our way to the airport afterwards. You also have to stow water bottles in the lockers. There are a couple of water fountains around the museum in case you get parched. ALLOW HALF A DAY The museum is a quality museum with a lot to see and read, but you really have to be into southwest stuff to really appreciate it in my opinion. After a few hours we were getting slightly overwhelmed, glassy-eyed and tired/bored with aching backs. (To be fair, it was our fourth museum in 3 days, so we were a little burned out!) STAY FOR LUNCH We really enjoyed an excellent lunch at the cafe in the courtyard and highly recommend it. EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP(S) There's a high-end store where you can purchase expensive rugs, jewelry, sculptures, etc. and there's also the 'Mugs and T-shirts' souvenir store and a small coffee shop. RIDE SHARE DROP OFF AND PICK UP The ride share pick-up and drop off is around the back at one end of the parking lot. Helpful?

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    MIM is amazing! This is one of the most thorough and thoughtfully curated museums that I've been…read moreto, with something for visitors of all ages to enjoy. I went with my family on a Monday morning in early May. While there were a few school groups and retirement homes visiting during that time, it didn't feel crowded at all! There's so much to learn and explore ... you could honestly spend all day here and still not see everything. Some exhibits are interactive, and there are literally instruments from every corner of the world on display. We did check out the coffee shop before exploring, and grabbed a quick bite! They do not let you bring any food or drink into the exhibits, even water. However, you can check your items at the front desk to pick up on your way out. All tickets include a headset with music or a voiceover that will automatically play as you get close to a specific display. It's hard to choose a favorite room, but the diversity in the Asia wing really stands out. My younger sister also loved the jazz exhibit! I highly recommend a visit to MIM for locals and travellers alike.

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    Dwarf Car Museum - museums - Updated May 2026

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