Information
Landmark: Little Rock ZooCity: Little Rock
Country: USA Arkansas
Continent: North America
Little Rock Zoo, Little Rock, USA Arkansas, North America
The Tupelo Automobile Museum is a collection of automobiles located in Tupelo, Mississippi, USA.
Visual Characteristics
The museum is housed within a single-story brick building. The interior features a large, open exhibition space with concrete floors and fluorescent lighting. The automobiles on display represent a wide range of makes, models, and eras, with varying paint finishes and states of preservation.
Location & Access Logistics
The museum is situated at 122 North Main Street in downtown Tupelo, Mississippi. It is approximately 0.5km North of the city center. Ample street parking is available in the immediate vicinity. The nearest public transport stop is located on Main Street, served by the Tupelo Transit System Route 1.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The Tupelo Automobile Museum was established in 1997 by Frank Ballard. The collection was amassed over several decades, with the original purpose of preserving automotive history and showcasing the evolution of vehicle design and technology. The building itself was formerly a commercial warehouse.
Key Highlights & Activities
Visitors can observe over 100 automobiles, including a 1930 Duesenberg Model J, a 1911 Ford Model T, and a 1971 Plymouth Barracuda. The collection spans from early horseless carriages to more modern vehicles. Self-guided tours are permitted.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are available on-site. Limited seating is provided throughout the exhibition space. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally reliable within the museum. No food vendors are located within the museum; however, several restaurants are within a 0.2km radius.
Best Time to Visit
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Weekday mornings typically have lower visitor numbers. No specific lighting conditions are recommended for photography, as the interior is artificially lit.
Facts & Legends
One notable vehicle in the collection is a 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood, reportedly owned by Elvis Presley. The museum's founder, Frank Ballard, was known for his extensive knowledge of automotive history and his personal connection to many of the vehicles displayed.
Nearby Landmarks
- Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum (0.3km South)
- Tupelo Hardware Company (0.4km South)
- BancorpSouth Arena (1.2km West)
- Tupelo Convention Center (0.6km Southwest)