Shelby American Museum: Tickets and Tours

Home to over 30 vintage vehicles, the Shelby American Museum is a true slice of Americana. Founded in 1962, the Shelby company was the first car manufacturer in Nevada, and visiting the Heritage Center today allows visitors a peek behind the scenes.

Shelby American Museum tickets are available for personalized tours if you want to delve deeper into this legendary muscle car collection.

You will find below everything you need to know about the Shelby American Museum, one of the most fascinating museums in Las Vegas for car lovers.

How much do Shelby American Museum tickets cost?

There is no need to purchase Shelby American Museum tickets if you just want to visit the Heritage Center and admire the classic car collection. However, there is a cost if you want to join one of the behind-the-scenes VIP tours of the factory.

Shelby American Museum VIP Tours

• Adult: $49
• Child (6 years and under): Free

This Shelby American Museum rate includes a customized experience with an expert tour guide and a visit to the manufacturing plant next to the Heritage Center. The Shelby American Museum entrance fee also includes a gift bag filled with official merchandise which has a retail value of $60.

What are the best Shelby American Museum tours?

Shelby VIP Tour Experience

While it is possible to visit the Heritage Center for free, to get a real insight into this legendary manufacturing organization, book onto a Shelby American Museum guided tour. These give you an up-close and personal experience behind the scenes where you’ll see muscle cars being built right before your eyes.

You’ll learn about the manufacturing process and discover how Carroll Shelby came to be such a revered figure in the motoring world. Your tour ends back in the showroom where prototypes and vintage models line up for your inspection. Don’t forget to sign the famous Carroll Shelby Signature Wall before leaving!

Is it possible to visit the Shelby American Museum for free?

It sure is! Visitors are welcome to pop into the Heritage Center and wander around the collection without paying anything. It’s one of the best free things to do in Las Vegas.

You can join one of the guided tours around the facility if you have pre-purchased Shelby American Museum tickets - these give you access to restricted areas like the production factory.

Should you book Shelby American Museum tickets in advance?

If you just want to walk around on a self-guided visit, then there’s no need to book ahead. You can simply turn up during normal business hours.

However, if you want to explore behind the scenes on a tour, you need to purchase Shelby American Museum tickets in advance. These tours are popular, and places are limited so don’t leave it until the last minute!

What will you see inside the Shelby American Museum?

The Shelby Heritage Center was set up in 2013 to tell the story of its namesake and his cars. Carroll Shelby was an automotive designer and racing driver, famous for producing high-performing sports cars, including the AC Cobra and the Mustang.

At the heart of your Shelby American Museum visit is a gleaming collection of nearly 40 vintage muscle cars. You’ll learn about the life and works of Carroll Shelby from the information boards as you wander around at leisure. The displays include original prototypes as well as a few vehicles owned by the man himself.

Next to the showroom is the production facility, which you can explore on a guided tour if you’ve purchased Shelby American Museum tickets. This is your chance to see these unique muscle cars being built in real-time.

After your tour, you can visit the Carroll Shelby Store for souvenirs like collectibles and apparel to remind you of your day. True fans will love getting their hands on some real-life performance parts belonging to late model Mustangs!

How to get to the Shelby American Museum?

The Shelby American Museum is conveniently located off Sunset Road, which is just around the corner from The Strip. It’s best to either walk or use public transport and the 212 bus stops nearby.

When is the best time to visit the Shelby American Museum?

Shelby American Museum entry is possible seven days a week. If you’re doing a self-guided visit, try and come first thing in the morning to steer clear of the crowds and have more viewing space at the exhibits.

If you want to book onto one of the Shelby American Museum tours, these are available Monday through Saturday, hourly between 10 AM and 2 PM.

Which other museums can be visited in Las Vegas?

• Madame Tussauds. Visit a strange parallel universe where lifelike sports legends and rock stars pose side by side waiting to welcome you.
• Marvel Avengers S. T.A.T.I.O.N. Find out just what it takes to be a superhero as you uncover secrets from the movies and complete your own world-saving mission.
• Mob Museum. Discover the dark underworld of historic Las Vegas where criminal masterminds and ruthless gangs once ruled the streets.
• Bodies: The Exhibition. Learn all about human anatomy and come face to face with real bodies at this gruesome yet compelling exhibition.

Travel tips

• Tour times and capacities are limited, so make sure you book your Shelby American Museum tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment. Reserving in good time also means you can compare online prices to bag the best deals.
• Make sure your camera batteries are charged the night before, so you photograph the cars from every angle!
• If you just want to see the vintage cars, then a free visit is ideal. However, if you want to explore the factory where vehicles are manufactured, then you need to buy a Shelby American Museum ticket and book a guided tour time slot.