Museo de Automoción e Historia

Museo de Automoción e Historia (MAHI) in Arteixo, in the province of A Coruña, is one of the largest automotive museums in Europe. Opened to the public in December 2023, it sits on a 20,000 m² plot in the Sabón industrial estate and blends the history of the car with Galicia's cultural heritage.

What is there to see inside?

MAHI is far more than a row of polished bodywork. The museum spreads across 13 exhibition halls, both permanent and temporary, housing more than 300 vehicles spanning different eras — from the earliest automobiles to luxury saloons and the workhorse industrial vehicles that kept economies running for decades. The collection is rounded out by hundreds of historically significant pieces: parts, tools, documents and memorabilia tracing the development of the automotive industry through the 20th century. Nearly every vehicle and exhibit carries a QR code, letting visitors dig deeper into the story behind each piece at their own pace instead of relying solely on wall text.

The museum was created on the initiative of the Fundación Jorge Jove and has a distinctly educational bent — it tells not only a technical story but also traces the social, economic and cultural shifts the automobile brought about over the last century.

How do you get to MAHI?

The museum sits at Avenida da Praia 460, in the Sabón industrial zone of Arteixo, a short drive from central A Coruña. The location is convenient for anyone touring Galicia by car, close to the main roads linking A Coruña with the rest of the region. The generous grounds around the building also make parking straightforward, which matters given the museum's scale.

When should you visit?

MAHI is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm. Given the number of halls and vehicles on display, it's worth setting aside at least two to three hours for a visit. Ticket prices are tiered: a general admission ticket costs 12 euros, a reduced ticket 7 euros, and a second reduced category 5 euros; children under 3 get in free. Guided group tours are also available.

What makes this place stand out?

Beyond the vehicle collection itself, MAHI is notable for its approach to sustainability — the roof is fitted with photovoltaic panels, and the building was designed around efficient water and energy use. That combination makes the museum both a showcase of automotive history and an example of modern, environmentally conscious construction.

Frequently asked questions

How many vehicles can you see at MAHI? The collection includes more than 300 cars from different periods, from the earliest automobiles to newer-generation vehicles, along with hundreds of accompanying historical pieces.

Are there audio guides or extra information available? Yes — vehicles and exhibits carry QR codes linking to expanded information, so visitors can explore the museum at their own pace.

How long does a visit to MAHI take? With 13 exhibition halls and a large number of pieces on display, it's best to plan for at least two to three hours.

Is the museum suitable for families with children? Yes. Admission is free for children under 3, and the exhibition's educational approach — combining technology with history and cultural context — makes it engaging for younger visitors too.