Hollywood Star Cars Museum: A Gatlinburg Must-See!

For movie buffs and car enthusiasts visiting Gatlinburg, get ready for a total pop-culture pilgrimage! The Hollywood Star Cars Museum is an iconic tour through decades of screen history, and trust me, it’s one of the coolest things you can do on the Parkway. Since 1996, it's been a fan-favorite for one simple reason: these are the genuine vehicles (no replicas here!) from your favorite movies and TV shows.

Credit: Kelly Michals

So, What Awesome Cars Will You Actually See?

The museum is packed with over 40 cars, and they’re always mixing it up. They even put them in recreated sets with lights and sound to bring that movie magic to life.

Iconic Movie Cars:

• 1966 Batmobile: The original Batmobile from the iconic TV show, designed by the legendary George Barris.
  * DeLorean Time Machine: The celebrated 1981 DeLorean from Back to the Future.
  * Gone in 60 Seconds "Eleanor": The original 1967 Mustang Shelby GT 500.

• Ghostbusters Ecto-1: The famous ghost-fighting vehicle.
  * Terminator 2: Judgement Day Harley Davidson Fatboy: The actual motorcycle ridden by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
  * The Fast and the Furious Franchise: A massive collection featuring multiple vehicles from the blockbuster series, including Mitsubishi Eclipses, Honda Civics, and more.
  * Days of Thunder Mello Yello Racecar: The car driven by Tom Cruise's character, Cole Trickle.

• Transformers "Bumblebee": The fan-favorite Camaro.

• The Flintstones Car: The car from the live-action movie.

Classic TV and Celebrity-Owned Cars:

• The Dukes of Hazzard "General Lee": The legendary 1969 Dodge Charger.

• The Munsters Drag-u-la: Another famous creation from George Barris.
  * Dolly Parton's 1997 Cadillac D'Elegance.

• Sir Paul McCartney's 2006 Cadillac CTS.

• Michael Jackson's 1985 Mercedes-Benz 560SL.

• Elvis Presley's 1975 Lincoln Continental Mark IV.

• Mike Tyson's Lamborghini Diablo.

The George Barris Connection

Many of the most famous cars in the museum are the work of George Barris, the "King of Kustomizers." Barris was a legendary car customizer who designed and built many of Hollywood's most memorable vehicles, including the 1966 Batmobile and The Munsters' Drag-u-la, both of which are prize exhibits at the museum. While older information mentioned he made regular appearances, he passed away in 2015, but the museum continues to honor his legacy through his incredible creations.

Essential Visitor Info

Location & Parking

• Address: 914 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. It's right on the main drag, next to the Gatlinburg Convention Center (near traffic light #8).

• Parking Tip: The museum doesn’t have its own lot. Don't stress! Just use one of the paid public garages nearby. The one directly behind the museum is super convenient.

Hours and Tickets

• Hours: Open 7 days a week, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

• Online Tickets:

  • Adults: $17.99 (+ tax)

  • Children (ages 6-12): $8.99 (+ tax)

• At the Door (As of 8/23/2025):

  • Adults: $19.99 (+ tax)

  • Children (ages 6-12): $10.99 (+ tax)

• Children 5 and under are admitted for FREE (with an adult).

• Pro Tip on Tickets: Buy your tickets online before you go! It’s cheaper. Check the official Hollywood Star Cars Museum website for the latest prices.

Pro Tips from a Fellow Fan

I geeked out over this place, and you will too. Here are a few things to know before you go.

Quick Q&A

• How long does it take? Plan for about one hour. It’s two stories, but you can go at your own pace.

• Can I take pictures? Yes! They actually encourage it. Get all the selfies you want next to the cars.

• Can I sit in the cars? For an extra fee, you can get a souvenir photo of you sitting in the driver's seat of many of the cars. It’s an awesome souvenir!

• Is there a gift shop? You bet! It’s at the end of the tour, and it has some great stuff, including die-cast car models.

What's Nearby?

Once you’ve soaked in all that Hollywood goodness, you're in the perfect spot to hit up more Gatlinburg icons.

• For more family fun, dive into an incredible underwater adventure with our Guide to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. Seriously, it's one of the best aquariums in the country.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this place is amazing. Whether you're a die-hard movie nerd or just want a really fun indoor attraction, the Hollywood Star Cars Museum is a blast. You won't regret it.

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