Located in the heart of downtown Buffalo, the Pierce-Arrow Museum of Transportation offers a look into the city’s rich transportation history. Known for its iconic Pierce-Arrow cars, the museum is a treasure trove for automobile enthusiasts and history buffs.
At the center of the collection are the legendary Pierce-Arrow vehicles, a brand synonymous with luxury and innovation in the early 20th century. Among the gems on display are the 1909 Pierce-Arrow, the 1911 Pierce-Arrow, and the luxurious 1919 Pierce-Arrow Town Car.
The latter is rumored to have been owned by the Wrigley Gum family and boasts unique features like bud vases, a divider window, and elegant fender lamps. When ladies rode in the town car they were given a pee ticket with 4 chances to stop.
Another notable vehicle is the 1931 Pierce-Arrow Model 43 Roadster, a classic roadster that showcases the peak of automotive craftsmanship from this era.
In addition to the Pierce-Arrow models, the museum highlights other iconic vehicles, such as the Thomas Flyer, which gained fame during the 1908 New York to Paris Race, and a variety of vintage motorcycles, bicycles, and the well-loved Jell-O wagon, further illustrating Buffalo’s role in early American transportation.
The Women’s Transportation Hall of Fame exhibit gives visitors a look at the contributions of pioneering women in transportation. The hall includes vehicles like the 1902 Buffalo Electric Stanhope and the 1913 Ohio Electric Car, demonstrating the innovative spirit of the era and Buffalo’s contributions to electric vehicle development long before modern EVs became mainstream. The exhibit also showcases the evolution of driving gear for women, including items like goggles, driving gloves, hair nets, and specialized clothing, reflecting the changing landscape as women took to the roads.
The museum’s pièce de résistance is a full-scale model of the Buffalo Filling Station, designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1927. Though the station was never built, this model brings Wright’s vision to life with its striking design elements, making it an architectural highlight that draws visitors for both its historical and artistic significance.
Beyond the vehicle exhibits, the Pierce-Arrow Museum serves as an educational and event space where transportation history is brought to life. Visitors can also view various automotive-related artifacts like vintage tools, engine parts, and car accessories from the early 20th century.
They also have antique road signs, billboards, and gas station signs that reflect the evolution of roadways and advertising during the golden age of automobiles.
If you are planning to visit the museum has free parking located right in front of the building, which is a rarity in downtown Buffalo.
*Please note this post is not sponsored. We paid for our admission. Our opinions are our own.*
