Shinka Through the Lens

At LeMay – America’s Car Museum, we celebrate the automobile in all its cultural, historical, and mechanical glory. But where do these beloved vehicles spend their off-hours? The answer—the garage—has a story just as fascinating as the cars themselves. From humble carriage houses to polished home showrooms and versatile lifestyle spaces, the American garage has evolved dramatically over the past century. The Horse Before the Horsepower Before the rise of the automobile, elite homes in the late 19th century featured carriage houses, usually tucked behind the main residence. These structures stored carriages, tack, and feed, and often included stalls for horses. Some even had upstairs quarters for stablehands or drivers—an early example of a structure designed for both function and flexibility. As cars gained popularity in the early 20th century, carriage houses became obsolete—but they laid the blueprint for what would become the American garage.

As we prepare to host the DirtFish Women in Motorsports Summit, we wanted to post a reminder that we will be closed to the public on Saturday, May 24th. We apologize for any inconvenience. At the time of writing, limited tickets to the Summit are still available if you'd like to attend. Please click here to learn more!