Cars That Moved America

CHICAGO — Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is partnering with the Richard H. Driehaus Art Exhibition Lending Foundation (AELF) to explore how automobiles have shaped the American experience with Cars That Moved America. The new interactive exhibition will open in March 2027.  

The exhibition features a rotation of more than 40 vehicles from the Richard H. Driehaus Automobile Collection, a private trove of rare, meticulously restored vintage American cars. The innovative vehicles are examined through five lenses: evolution of design, mass production, wartime manufacturing, the American freeway system, competition and speed. Interactive technology invites visitors to learn what’s under the hood, with touch screens and AI technology connecting the cars to other artifacts throughout the Museum and answering questions about each vehicle in real time. It allows guests to look at automobiles in new ways, as not just machines but milestones in America’s story of industrial growth.  

“We're thrilled to showcase this remarkable collection that highlights what's possible when human ingenuity, innovative engineering and creative design all meet,” said Dr. Chevy Humphrey, Griffin MSI CEO and President. “This exhibition not only charts the evolution of how America moved in the 20th century but also provides inspiration for the next generation of automotive professionals."  

“Richard H. Driehaus believed that cultural artifacts like these remarkable vehicles were meant to inspire, educate and be admired by as many people as possible,” said Cynthia Van Osdol, AELF President. “Presenting the Richard H. Driehaus Automobile Collection at Griffin MSI honors his vision and generosity for sharing America’s best in automotive design and innovation with the Chicago community, providing a unique cultural experience for all.”  

Featured cars include:  

• 1926 Miller Locomobile, which raced in the Indianapolis 500  
• 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow Sedan, from the 1933 Century of Progress Chicago World’s Fair  
• 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt, dubbed at the time “the car of the future”  
• 1948 Tucker 48 Sedan, the legacy of an automotive entrepreneur  
• 1954 Mercury XM-800, a one-of-a-kind concept car that debuted at the Detroit Auto Show  
• 1957 Ford Thunderbird E Code, the final iteration of the first generation, two-seat Thunderbird  

Cars That Moved America is an extension of the Museum’s Transportation Gallery, expanding on the story of American innovation through planes, trains and automobiles that Griffin MSI has been telling since it first opened in 1933. 

The 1926 Miller Locomobile and 1941 Chrysler Thunderbolt will be on display in the Transportation Gallery starting Friday, Oct. 30. 

Photos: Cars That Moved America

Credit: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

The Richard H. Driehaus Art Exhibition Lending Foundation (AELF), is tasked with fulfilling Mr. Driehaus’ vision of greater public appreciation of art, architecture, and design. The primary mission is to give public institutions the use of its art and automotive collection. The Foundation believes that the arts play an essential role in cultural life. These loans encourage knowledge sharing, creativity and ultimately enhance a robust and diverse design ecosystem. The loans shall further engage and inspire local and global communities through exploration and ongoing conversations in art, architecture, and design of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. 

Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI) offers world-class and uniquely interactive experiences that support the Museum's mission: to inspire the inventive genius in everyone. As one of the largest science museums in the world featuring award-winning exhibits and hands-on activities, a visit to Griffin MSI is guaranteed to connect fun and learning. Griffin MSI is committed to offering comprehensive educational programs ­for students, administrators, teachers and families that make a difference in local communities and contribute to Griffin MSI's goal to transform and illuminate STE(A)M (science, technology, engineering, art and math) pathways for people of all ages. The Museum is grateful for the support of generous donors and guests who make its work possible. Griffin MSI is also supported in part by the people of Chicago through the Chicago Park District. For more information, visit griffinmsi.org or call (773) 684-1414.