Perm Automobile Museum Retro-Garage

The Perm Automobile Museum "Retro-Garage" invites you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a bygone era and see the legends of the Soviet auto industry. It is a unique space in the city of Perm, where the history of technology comes alive in the shine of chrome details and the roar of engines. Here in Russia, it is one of the few museums dedicated to the industrial heritage of the 1930s–1980s where the exhibits have retained their functionality.

Founded in 2015 by engineer Alexander Cherepanov, the museum brought together private collections of enthusiasts under one roof. The exhibition includes about 30 full-size vehicles, featuring elegant "Chaika" government limousines, stately "ZiMs," as well as people's favorites — "Pobedas," "Zaporozhets," and "Moskvichs." The museum takes special pride in its vast collection of 800 scale models and Soviet everyday items.

"Retro-Garage" positions itself as a living history museum. Almost all the machinery is in working order and regularly participates in car rallies. This is not just a warehouse for old cars, but a dynamically developing technical center where every object — from a DOSAAF educational poster to a rare bus — tells its own unique chapter in history.

For more information about events or to book an individual tour, you can use the following contact details:

At "Retro-Garage," visitors can expect more than just passive car viewing; it's a true interactive journey. You can book one of the themed excursions, such as "A Look Inside," where open hoods and engines are showcased, or learn about cars in cinema. Programs in English and French are available for international guests.

For those who want to feel the power of past technology, the museum offers a unique service — retro car rides. You can speed through the city streets in a 1958 Moskvich-407 or experience the smooth ride of the famous GAZ-21 "Volga." This is a great opportunity to feel the same emotions as drivers from the middle of the last century.

Fans of beautiful shots will love the vintage photo sessions. Professional photo days surrounded by classic cars allow for the creation of stylish and atmospheric images. Additionally, the museum regularly organizes car rallies across the Perm Krai and participates in rallies, bringing together a community of restorers and history buffs.

The museum is conveniently located in the central part of the city at 34 Druzhby Street. Thanks to this location, it is easy to find for both locals and guests visiting Perm for the first time. For precise navigation, you can use the following coordinates: 56.2793579° N, 58.0150032° E.

You can reach the destination by taxi or private car — the trip from the city center takes very little time. If you prefer public transport, use buses or trams going to the stops near Druzhby Square (Ploshchad Druzhby), from which the museum building is just a few minutes' walk away.

Before your trip, it is recommended to check electronic maps or call the museum to determine the best route considering current traffic conditions. A quiet walk around the area after visiting the exhibition will be a pleasant addition to your cultural program.

The journey toward creating a full-fledged museum began in September 2014 with a temporary exhibition that caused a real sensation. In just one month, more than 22,000 people visited the exhibition, clearly demonstrating the public's immense interest in the technical heritage of the past. The museum officially opened its doors to permanent visitors on February 3, 2016.

The mastermind and creator of the project was Alexander Borisovich Cherepanov — a mechanical engineer, historian of technology, and veteran of motorsports. His deep knowledge and passion for cars allowed him to turn a private initiative into a significant cultural landmark. During its formative stage, the project received important grant support from regional authorities, which helped the museum grow stronger quickly.

Today, this place is recognized not only in Russia but also abroad: international delegations and European car travelers often stop by. The main feature of "Retro-Garage" remains its status as a "living museum." This means that most of the cars on display are not just frozen statues, but functioning mechanisms capable of taking to the road at any moment.

To see the main collection without rushing and to study hundreds of scale models in detail, an average visitor will need about 2–3 hours. This is quite enough time to listen to a guide's story and examine the technical features of the rarest exhibits.

If you plan to complement your visit with a vintage photo session or book a ride in one of the retro cars through the city streets, you should set aside half a day for your visit. The atmosphere of the Soviet past invites thoughtful contemplation, so we do not recommend planning a visit "on the run."

The "Retro-Garage" museum hospitably opens its doors from Tuesday to Sunday. Visitors are welcome from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Monday is a day off, which the staff dedicates to the technical maintenance of their "mechanical charges."

Please note that advance booking by phone is highly recommended for group or themed tours. To ensure your visit is as comfortable as possible, it is advisable to check the official website or the museum's social media pages before your trip to clarify information about possible special events or temporary schedule changes.

A visit to the retro technology museum can be successfully combined with walks through other interesting parts of the city. The surrounding area offers various leisure options, from relaxing in park zones to active entertainment, making your trip as rich and interesting as possible.