Located in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and surrounded by the scenic Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Hollywood Star Cars Museum has been a prominent attraction since its opening in 1996. The museum features an extensive collection of vehicles from television, movies, and entertainment icons, currently housing over 50 vehicles that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Legendary Vehicles and Their Creators
Many of the cars on display are creations of George Barris, renowned globally as the “King of Kustomizers.” Barris’s legendary work includes some of the most recognizable vehicles in television and film history. Notable among these is the 1966 TV Show Batmobile, which is exhibited at the museum alongside other iconic creations such as:
- The Ghostbusters Ecto-1
- The Munsters Drag-u-la
- The James Dean1955 Porsche 550 Spyder, built by George Barris for the film Live Fast, Die Young.
Exhibits and Memorabilia
The museum’s mission extends beyond displaying vehicles. It aims to create an immersive experience for visitors by incorporating display props and movie memorabilia that complement the cars. This approach enhances the storytelling aspect of each exhibit, providing visitors with a richer understanding of the vehicles’ cinematic history.
Popular Films and TV Shows
The collection features vehicles from blockbuster movies such as:
-
- Batman Returns
- Gran Turismo
- Gone in 60 Seconds
Additionally, the museum showcases vehicles from classic TV shows such as The Beverly Hillbillies, Andy Griffith, and The Munsters. The collection also includes personal vehicles owned by entertainment legends like Elvis Presley, the Beach Boys, Bob Hope, Dolly Parton, and Michael Jackson.
Special Collections and Experiences
One of the most popular sections is the Fast and Furious Collection, which features several memorable cars from the high-octane film series. Visitors can also enjoy the ultimate racing experience through panoramic full-motion simulators that feature cars from the Hollywood Star Cars Collection, providing an immersive and interactive adventure for car enthusiasts and movie fans alike.