Not too many people are aware of the LeMay Collections at Marymount. The more popular museum is the LeMay - America's Car Museum off the 5. The special Motorcycle Days exhibit gave me an excuse to make the trek here. The museum did a great job with their variety of programming. I enjoyed seeing not only the vintage and modern motorcycle exhibits, but also the area that guests could park their own bikes for others to see. The property used to be a military academy. Each building has been well preserved and housed a mix of historical artifacts and vehicles. I particularly liked the Union State building because it displayed vehicles in chronological order from the late 1800s to the early 2000s. The signage throughout were very informative. We did not upgrade our passes to the guided tour of the White Building, but you can add that anytime during your visit. Two other things I learned during my visit is that they have car auctions there and host weddings! read more

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This is an incredible find. Well worth the already reasonable ticket price for entry - be sure to pay the extra to see the 2nd building - it is worth the entire ticket by itself. So the first set up is you go through a series of rooms featuring various cars from the collection displayed in an orderly fashion, with explanations that are historical, contextual, and interesting. Then, if you purchase the add-on, you are escorted across the grounds (cool in itself) to a large garage holding a plethora of vehicles lined up in rows according to a timeline and with explanations - plus other memorabilia such as examples of what a kitchen would have looked like from a certain era that a car came from. Really wonderfully entertaining and educational. read more

This collector campus was just amazing. It is on the grounds of an old military school. They've preserved the buildings and the grounds and it now holds a collection of 1000+ cars from the late 1800's to modern. There is also memorabilia, signs, odd vehicles and lots of other items. It is far more than the LeMay Museum off of I-5. The employees and the volunteers were very personable and very knowledgeable. I was looking for a particular car and they knew exactly which building it was in and what aisle I could find it. We were also given a tour of the ground and got a ride in a 1926 Model T. Andy was the volunteer that showed us around and he really knew the details of most of the cars we looked at. The folks at the desk were also able to answer all our questions and point us in the right direction. It was a great visit to an amazing facility with lots of good folks. I highly recommend a stop. read more

If you love cars, you will love this collection! This is near Parkland, not the one right off of I-5. There are over a thousand cars at this location and from all eras, manufacturers etc.. I have had the honor of showing my car in their museum on three occasions and they treated my car like one of their own while it was there for nearly five months total. Its about 20 bucks for an adult admission, but worth every penny. They have wonderful volunteer tour guides and on a decent day, you still might not see everything. Everything from Model A cars to the latest, you will not be disappointed. They also have a great little gift shop that has everything from hard to find books on cars to little toy cars. They are open year round and the collection is covered or in buildings, so find a sunny or even rainy weekend and check it out!!! read more

LeMay Collections at Marymount - Museums Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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This museum is amazing, full of vintage cars and so many other collections (gas pumps, neon signs, license plates, motor cycles, etc.). The cars are in beautiful condition and admission is reasonable, with extra if you want a guided tour or access to additional collections. Most of the collection is indoors. It was well worth the drive to the Parkland area where we spent several hours learning about and admiring several centuries of autos. read more

I have been to the big Lemay Car Museum near downtown Tacoma and simply loved it. I am not a "gearhead" either. the muscle cars and all of the quirky little vehicles were a real highlight for me there. So I was really surprised when I found out that there was another Lemay car museum in Spanaway! If I remember correctly during the tour at this facility the guide said that the museum here and the Lemay museum downtown are not under the same ownership and only share the similarity of being named after Mr. Lemay. This museum is on the grounds of what used to be a military boys school ran by nuns. When Lemay bought the property he asked the Catholic church not to tear down or alter the buildings there and they complied. A good portion of the museum is housed in what used to be the gymnasium which is cool! In the main part of the building they often hold special private events here which would be great! There is a connecting building that is still a functioning chapel too but that is only for special private events and is not open to the general public. In the gymnasium part of the museum you can go at your own pace. But there are two other buildings to the west that house many, many more cars and vehicles. To tour through those a guide is required. At the front desk they will tell you that a staff member may come and find you since they are collecting a group of people to tour through these buildings. Once those two buildings are toured you are free to resume where you left off in the gymnasium. The two buildings where a tour guide is required doesn't have a rushed pace and the guide is very knowledgeable. They say if they don't talk about a vehicle as you pass by the plethora housed here to be sure and stop them and ask about it. Outside near the parking lot there are lots of vehicles to look at too. For example old log trucks, plows, railroad cars and such. Admission is $15 (at least when I was there) however I see a reviewer in February say that it was $13 so perhaps I paid a summer rate. Anyway the admission price is totally worth paying for to go to this gorgeous museum! read more

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Absolutely brilliant collection of cars set on the grounds of an old Catholic academy. The day we visited happened to be sunny, so the area was a gorgeous sight to behold. We were redeeming an online deal and the staff were very kind and accommodating and directed us to a free tour that was starting right after our arrival. The cars are housed in separate buildings and in the school itself. The collection is grand, and features mostly American cars, some of them quite rare. The tour took quite a while so unfortunately we missed an entire building because of a time crunch. We did save a few minutes to go through the main auditorium building, which features a couple mini collections of nozzles (random) and other memorabilia. The collection is quite a trek from Tacoma, about 20 minutes south. Even though the drive is long it's worth it, especially on a sunny day. read more

Sensory overload. I'm not a car junkie. But can admire a nice vehicle. The wife and I decided to take a look after buying tickets on groupon. So we roamed the initial building, an old military school. They rounded us up after 30 or 40 minutes and took the tour of the other 2 huge put buildings. Good grief ! I never seen so much stuff. I did like the fact there was other oddities to look at besides just staring at cars. Motorcycles, gas pumps, signs, cases with small models, pictures...way too much at times to even concentrate looking at. You could spend days at this place and see something new each time. I did like looking at the little details of the older cars. Mostly the hood ornaments. Lots of older cars, 1920-50s which is alright but I prefer the muscle cars. So once we got into the 1st building, I could see the stuff that I wanted to look at but had to try and stay with the group. The 2nd structure on the tour was craziness. Shelves on each side of the building with cars which you couldn't see unless you were 30 feet tall. We got tired after awhile and walked faster in front of the group and left on our own. If you are a car junkie or grrae monkey. You cant go wrong here. Wear a good pair of sneakers. read more

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this was a very extensive collection of all types of ground transportation the website is a bit misleading in that it shows a very modern building where the cars are housed, but in fact that is a separate entity to the collection we saw. this was owned by the lemay family and was stored and taken care of by the people on the family's property. the tour guide really made the visit and was extremely informative. the stories behind the collected cars and the family was what made the tour memorable. my husband and i loved seeing the assortment of cars and other things including old fire engines, classic hot rods and even trains! if you have a love for cars, you will love this museum. discounts for AAA members or state farm policyholders! read more

LeMay Collections at Marymount - Museums Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Such a cool place. The cars placed in order of years they were made was my favorite part. No better way to see the progression. I went for my husband because I thought he would enjoy, but I ended up loving it as well. So much to look at. The employees/volunteers are super informative. We will definitely be back. read more

Two LeMay car museums exist in Tacoma. This is not the downtown venue but in the southern part of Tacoma in Spanaway. Only a small portion of the enormous 2200 vehicle collection is available for viewing. Head to the former gym to pay admission, browse the gift shop, see the collection of motorcycles, and start the guided tour. We took the most basic tour which lasted nearly two-hours and is highly recommended to see the better cars. The tour began in the packed white warehouse with cars stacked three-high on racks and a dizzying variety of trucks on the floor. The vehicles are hard to see because they are too high overhead or parked too tightly. The tour finished in the better green warehouse with about 100 American cars displayed in chronological order and parallel parked at a slight angle made viewing easy. Other oddities were included like a sales demonstration model of a fallout shelter. Comparable to the LeMay in downtown Tacoma (see https://www.yelp.com/biz/lemay-americas-car-museum-tacoma) due to the large size, the lack of marquee models, and complete emphasis on American built vehicles. If someone could only visit one of the two museums, I'd suggest Spanaway for the sole reason that it has a weird hoarders mentality that feels outrageous rather than the generic museum feel of downtown Tacoma that is common to many other auto museums. And despite the docent's jab at the Petersen in Los Angeles, the Petersen's many droolable cars are better. read more

The staff here was so nice and accommodating. My date and I attended a chocolate and wine tasting event. My boyfriend has also attended a wedding at this venue in the summer time. They always have great events going on, and even have classes in the summer where they teach you how to drive an old Model T! We were a little worried we would be some of the youngest people at the event we attended but there was a good range of ages in attendance. Will definitely be returning for more spring/summer events! read more

LeMay Collections at Marymount - Museums Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

We came here over the weekend. I have never been to the other location in Tacoma or this one. This one is awesome. The grounds are beautiful and the tour guide was friendly and knew his stuff. You could tell he really enjoyed his job. They will take you out to 2 huge buildings that are jammed packed with cars. The 1st one is any car you can think of and the second one is put in chronological order from the oldest in the collection to the newest. Out guide was able to explain a little about each cars history and how it came into the collection. The main building you are able to walk around and look at in your own pace. There is plenty to see in there too. All in all, this is a great little place rich in history that you won't get any where else. read more

I must preface this with I am not a car enthusiast. I wanted to take my sons (ages 10 and 19) on an exciting excursion. I figured I'd just tag along and it would be over soon enough. Instead I found myself intrigued by the different styles and collector pieces Mr. LeMay acquired. One hall has cars that share the history from different time periods and how cars have changed over decades. There was a tour guide to explain this as well. A friendly staff for sure. Also, a side note. There is another LeMay museum by the Tacoma Dome. The site at Marymount (what this review is for) is special as it was once a school house back in the day with its own unique history. read more

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Its been pointed out a couple of times already but still worth pointing out again. We bought tickets off of Amazon Local thinking it was the Car Museum next to the Tacoma Dome on I5. We were a little surprised when we showed up to get in! Apparently it happens a lot according to the lady at the ticket counter. Regardless, other than a surprise it wasn't a disappointment. The place is an incredible collection of all things cars and then some. We did take the tour through the other buildings (highly recommend if you have the time). Its a bizarre collection in many ways. Some of the cars made no sense whatsoever despite the tour guide claiming that they were significant somehow. How is a mid 80's Pontiac Sunbird at all significant? Lol. There were many cars in the side building that left me, and a few of the other guys, scratching our head at thier inclusion and why Harold Lamay would ever have bought them. By no means did it dimish my/our experience, it was just, odd. I think Harold was more of a hoarder than a collector though. The difference being money affords you the distinction and the guy had a lot of money. The only other note is that its sad to see some of the vehicles stored outside under a covered section basically going to waste. The tour guide said most would never be restored and it would be nice to see the foundation sell/loan/give away to car enthusiasts or other groups that could restore them. It doesn't make any sense to have them sitting there wasting away. I'm not sure what the foundations mandate/rules are in regards to what they can do with the collection but if it truly is a collection (in the pure sense) then they need to do something wiht those vehicles before they're lost to time and the elements. (Maybe they can sell of the Sunbirds and K-Cars to fund the restoration - no one is going to miss those!). Go! You'll get a kick out of it. Its an overwhelmingly fine collection of history. Now we just need to get to the other museum! read more

What a great place. There are some unbelievable cars here. This is my second time here, but first on an official tour. Working for the fire department, I was on a team that inspected the facility about 10 years ago. It was very hard for a team of firefighters to focus on the building and not all the eye-candy. They literally have cars stacked on cars. It is a definite must visit. Now, it seems that the collection is smaller than the last time I was there. I seem to recall that some are on loan to a group trying to put together a museum near the Tacoma dome. Plan on taking your time here. Your tour will only go as fast as your 90 year old tour guide can walk. But he knows everything about every car there.... My 15 year old son commented that this was the "best family outing ever". I think he actually wiped droop off his lip several times during the day. read more

Great collection of vintage cars. With Groupon coupon, the place becomes very budget friendly, compared to the big, state of the art America's Car Museum. The place is loaded with lots and lots of vintage cars and we are transported to a automobile world, which was present from 1900s-2010s. Le May, as an Individual, preserved the automobile history of America, which is really laudable. He is not just a American citizen, he is a world citizen to collect vintage cars and preserve them to take us through the automobiles history. It was interesting to note that there were close to 3000 automobile manufacturers in USA, once up on a time. With great depression & over a period of time 1940s-1960s, many automobile companies have wound up. Another interesting tidbit from the financial stand point is that, Le May only bought one car using loan. Every other single car out of around 3000 cars were bought by him, using cash. Even though, car collection was his hobby, he did not drain himself financially for that. It is very good lesson for the collectors. Very good place to spend time during summer or winter days. Very good place for car lovers and also for kids. The museum not only holds car, holds fire engine, garbage trucks etc. read more

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This is a great place to take the family or friends for a few hours. It's affordable, close to home, and the staff (mostly volunteers) are passionate and friendly. We grabbed a Groupon for this museum and got two adult admissions for $13 total. The first part of the tour is self-guided and you get to see some restored awesomeness including a fire-breathing dragster and a Frankenstein themed hearse. Both were super dope! The 2nd part of the tour you're with a tour guide and they take you through two large hangars and talk to you the cars and the history of the museum. It was super informative and our guide was great to talk to about cars! They have a nice gift shop with souvenirs and snacks, also free Model T Ford coin-op car rides for the kids. read more

You don't have to be a car fanatic to enjoy the LeMay Family Collection, but you probably will be once you're through. The collection is just so impressive, and the volunteers' enthusiasm so infectious, you will probably find yourself thinking "you know, maybe we *could* afford a Hupmobile or three..." as you exit. Must be seen to be believed. Gift shop is a great resource for old car magazines and books, too. And great tee shirts. I got a lovely one with the gorgeous replica Duesenberg on it. I am now the best-dressed person in western Washington. read more

This Private Car Museum is by appointment only so call ahead. There are 500+ vehicles on the site of the old historic Marymount Military Academy. Great for groups. Car auctions and private functions / weddings ect. happen here quite often. Go to the website for up to date information. Many buildings full of vehicles to see, flat terrain but wear comfortable shoes. Enjoy this trip into the history of Mr. LeMay and his Passion.!!! St. John's #9 Masons Approved. www.lemaymarymount.org/ ph#253-272-2336 read more

Awesome cars! Huge area. I wasn't sure what to expect, but this ended up being an awesome way to spend Father's Day. read more

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If your a big car fan like I am, you HAVE to go to this AWESOME Museum!!! Address: 325 152nd St E, Tacoma, WA 98445 Phone: (253) 272-2336 Website: www.lemaymarymount.org THIS IS The ONE Mr. LeMay WANTED for ALL of his cars (etc.) but the city of Tacoma screwed him out of the ones that are sitting in the "other museum" in Tacoma. I (and my Husband) LOVED the tour!!! read more

We visited one of the buildings of the LeMay Collection in Spanaway this weekend for their Wine and Chocolate Tasting Event. I knew I could hook my hubby to taste chocolate and drink wine if it included seeing some cool cars and I was not wrong. There were some awesome cars on display during the event. The cars were beautifully restored and I know my grandkids will love to come visit and see how things ran in the "old days"! Our tickets included another trip back for a guided tour and we can't wait to see the rest of the buildings!! I see a 5-star coming after experiencing the full effect of the guided tour and seeing the entire collection!! read more

Probably one of the best places to go check out classic cars. Definitely affordable compared to most museums. The vast assortment of vehicles on this private collection will amaze you. read more

This is the land of dreams. This is a fantastic place to go. My wife and kids took me there for Father's Day and I had a blast. My kids and wife are not into cars but seeing the old Nashs, Comets and Harleys was fantastic for me. I want to go back...without the girls because I missed so much. The staff was great and I could have not asked for a better day. read more

My Dad enjoyed this even more than the big LeMay museum - the tour was fun and informative and worth the cost of admission.

A MUST SEE FOR THE AUTO ENTHUSIAST!! Great collection. A little something for every enthusiast. read more

Incredible collection and friendly staff! Our Metropolitan Club had it's International Meet here, and it made for a really wonderful day with a lifetime worth of memories! Thank You! read more

Holy cow - what a collection! Four enormous buildings jam packed with automobiles and motorcycles of all kinds. Not to be confused with the lemay in city proper, this is the family's personal collection. read more

We originally thought we were going to see the Lemay Museum in Tacoma that funny looking silver building but it turns out our Groupon tickets were for the Lemay Museum in Marymont which we were not aware of. We were disappointed thinking we werent going to see much by way of cars but we were oh so so wrong. It resides in a former boys military academy run by nuns, and it has so much to see. This Lemay collection will surprise you and what they have. True one-off cars, unique cars, outrageous cars, and a story to go with just about any one of them. Since the tour is guided on one part of the exhibit they have to economize on the descriptions but the details are correct. If you want to know more you have to ask and they will tell you. If you want to see a true American sports car that predated the first Corvette you'll find a Kaiser Darrin in there the fiberglass body sliding door two seater. How about Uber rare concept car built by a local Bellevue Tech firm back in the 90s that is powered by flywheels suspended in vacuum canisters. I saw this car in an automobile magazine article once and thought it was cool because the company was here in Seattle. Years later this car comes up in a conversation and I try to find something about it on the net but to no avail. Then I find it on this tour through this collection. Now how cool is that. I saw a Kaiser Darrin sports car in a newspaper article when I was a child when I used to collect newspaper clippings of something called Tad Burness Auto album. That's how I learned about the Kaiser Darrin. I didn't think I'd ever see a car like that in person but now I have. Those are off my bucket list for sure. Basically I'm saying there's something for everyone there and you will be amazed at how many car makers there actually were in the earlier days than they do today. How they made cars back in those days and how they evolved and influenced the way they would become today is pretty amazing. This is just an amazing collection and if you love cars and history you've got to drag your butt down there to see it. I'm going to go back there myself. Oh and it's not just cars try outboard motor collections, brass hose nozzle collections, Matchbox and Diecast Cars Collections, dolls, vintage motorcycles, and other iconic items of past era. I've even left stuff out so you'll just have to go there and discover. No disappointments I assure you. read more

Unfortunately, I purchased tickets from Groupon to get in what I thought was the new museum by the Tacoma Dome, however they were for another LeMay Museum I didn't even know existed and I felt were very misleading. When we went to the museum the person at the ticket counter was a little rude about it and acted like I was stupid and couldn't read. Well we must have a lot of people that can't read because I've talked to many people that did the exact same thing. I don't think I'm even interested in seeing the museum now. I'll take my business somewhere else. My recommendations to them. TAKE DOWN THE MISLEADING GROUPON OFFER! read more