In the sun-soaked paradise of Naples, Florida, an extraordinary treasure awaits automobile enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. The Revs Institute, home to the prestigious Miles Collier Collection, has been recognized among USA Today’s 10Best car museums in the United States, cementing its status as Florida’s premier automotive attraction.
This remarkable distinction comes as no surprise to those familiar with the museum’s exceptional dedication to preserving automotive history. The recognition highlights not just the impressive collection housed within its walls, but also the institute’s commitment to education, preservation, and celebrating the automobile as a transformative cultural artifact.
A Living Museum Unlike Any Other
Unlike typical static displays, the Revs Institute proudly presents itself as a “living museum.” Each of the more than 120 meticulously maintained vehicles remains fully operational, with many still participating in racing events and road rallies around the world.
The museum occupies an impressive 80,000 square-foot facility spread across three stories in Naples. Extraordinary measures have been implemented to protect these automotive treasures. The entire building maintains positive air pressure and employs double-filtered air systems to eliminate dust and contaminants that might damage these irreplaceable vehicles.
What truly sets Revs apart is its approach to displaying these mechanical masterpieces. Visitors can experience these historic automobiles up close, without the barriers typically found in museums. This intimate access allows guests to appreciate the craftsmanship and engineering brilliance in remarkable detail.
The Miles Collier Collection: A Curator’s Vision
At the heart of the Revs Institute lies the Miles Collier Collection, assembled with extraordinary vision and purpose. Miles Collier, a former race car driver with passions spanning art, writing, and innovation, founded the institute with a clear mission: to preserve automotive history while educating future generations.
His collection isn’t merely about accumulating expensive or rare vehicles. Each automobile meets rigorous standards for historical significance, rarity, technical innovation, aesthetic value, or social importance. Through careful curation, Collier has created a comprehensive narrative about how the automobile transformed society throughout the 20th century.
The collection spans from an 1896 Panhard et Levassor Wagonette—representing the dawn of the automotive age—to racing legends and engineering marvels from the mid-1990s. Each vehicle tells a specific story within the broader history of automotive development.
Four Themed Galleries: A Journey Through Automotive History
The museum organizes its collection into four distinct themed galleries, each exploring a different facet of automotive evolution:
Automobility Gallery
This section focuses on vehicles that fundamentally changed transportation and society during the 20th century. Visitors witness how automobiles evolved from curiosities for the wealthy to transformative tools that reshaped cities, economies, and daily life.
The gallery features pioneering vehicles that established key automotive concepts still present in today’s cars. These include early experiments with different engine configurations, suspension systems, and manufacturing techniques.
Vitesse Gallery
The French word for “speed” perfectly captures this gallery’s focus on sports motoring and racing automobiles. Here, visitors trace the evolution of performance vehicles and witness how competition drove rapid technological advancement.
Highlighting the intersection of engineering and speed, this gallery showcases vehicles that pushed boundaries and introduced innovations later adopted in everyday cars. From lightweight frames to aerodynamic designs, these speed machines revolutionized automotive engineering.
Revs Gallery
Dedicated to open-wheel racing cars and the visionaries who shaped motorsport, this gallery celebrates the purest form of automotive competition. Visitors discover how racing evolved from dangerous amateur pursuits to sophisticated professional motorsport.
The carefully selected vehicles represent watershed moments in racing history, including groundbreaking designs that changed competitive driving forever. Each car tells the story of daring drivers, innovative engineers, and the constant pursuit of speed.
Porsche Gallery
The final gallery honors one of the most revered automotive brands through a stunning collection of significant Porsche models. This includes the very first Porsche 550-01, alongside numerous other historic examples from the German manufacturer.
This section demonstrates why Porsche remains among the most worshipped marques, tracing its evolution from small sports car specialist to engineering powerhouse. The gallery reveals how Porsche’s racing success influenced its road cars, creating a legacy of performance and prestige.
Beyond Static Displays: A Working Educational Institution
The Revs Institute distinguishes itself as more than a museum—it functions as a working educational institution dedicated to the study, preservation, and restoration of historically significant automobiles. This commitment to education extends beyond casual visitors to scholars and researchers.
The institute maintains the Archives and Research Center in nearby Fort Myers, housing an extensive collection of automotive artifacts, publications, and ephemera. This repository serves as a vital resource for automotive historians, preservationists, and enthusiasts seeking in-depth knowledge.
Through innovative programs like RevsEd, the institute offers hands-on learning experiences. These include extraordinary opportunities such as engine rebuild classes, where participants completely disassemble and reassemble engines under expert guidance. Such programs represent the institute’s commitment to preserving not just vehicles but also the knowledge and skills associated with them.
The Visitor Experience: Immersive and Informative
Visitors to the Revs Institute enjoy a uniquely immersive experience. Knowledgeable volunteers, many with extensive automotive backgrounds, position themselves throughout the galleries to answer questions and share fascinating stories about the collection.
For those seeking a more structured visit, docent-led tours provide deeper insights into the vehicles and their historical context. These guides bring the collection to life through their expertise and enthusiasm, frequently receiving praise in visitor reviews.
The museum recommends allocating 90 minutes to two hours to fully experience the three-floor gallery. However, many visitors report that the time passes quickly, absorbed in the fascinating displays and stories surrounding these remarkable machines.
Practical Information for Visitors
Planning a visit to the Revs Institute requires some advance preparation. The museum operates on a limited schedule, opening only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It remains closed for the entire month of August.
All visitors must reserve tickets for specific dates and times in advance, as walk-in visitors cannot be accommodated. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling (239) 687-REVS. This system helps manage visitor flow and ensures everyone can enjoy unobstructed views of the collection.
The museum location at 2500 Horseshoe Drive South sits tucked away in a business park adjacent to Naples Airport, so GPS navigation is recommended for first-time visitors.
Recognition as a National Treasure
The USA Today 10Best recognition places Revs Institute among distinguished company nationwide. The list highlights various automotive attractions, including factory tour centers, driving experiences, auction sites, and other notable museums.
What makes this recognition particularly meaningful is the institute’s commitment to its motto: “Preserving the Future of the Past.” This philosophy guides every aspect of its operation, from the meticulous maintenance of vehicles to its educational programs and research initiatives.
The museum’s recognition reflects its success in appealing to diverse audiences. Even visitors who don’t consider themselves “car people” frequently express surprise at how engaging and fascinating they find the experience. The universal appeal stems from the institute’s ability to present automobiles not just as machines but as cultural artifacts that shaped modern society.
Beyond the Museum: A Comprehensive Automotive Experience
For those wanting to extend their Revs Institute experience, the museum offers additional ways to engage with automotive history. The museum store provides carefully selected merchandise, including model cars, automotive literature, apparel, and unique gifts for enthusiasts.
The institute also maintains an active online presence through its website and digital exhibitions, allowing virtual visitors to explore aspects of the collection and automotive history from anywhere in the world.
Regular events and symposia bring together automotive experts, collectors, and enthusiasts to discuss preservation techniques, historical research, and the future of automotive heritage. These gatherings reinforce the institute’s position as a leader in the field of automotive preservation.
A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering
Despite its world-class status, many visitors describe the Revs Institute as a “hidden gem” even among Naples residents. This relative obscurity compared to its quality creates an opportunity for visitors to discover something truly extraordinary.
The museum’s reputation continues to grow through enthusiastic word-of-mouth recommendations. Visitors frequently mention bringing friends and family back for repeat visits, with many international visitors making the museum a regular stop during their Florida trips.
For anyone with even a passing interest in automotive history, engineering, or design, the Revs Institute offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness some of the most significant vehicles ever created in an intimate, informative setting.
A Cultural Treasure Preserving Automotive Legacy
The Revs Institute’s recognition among America’s top automotive museums validates what many visitors have long recognized: this is no ordinary car collection. Through thoughtful curation, meticulous preservation, and educational outreach, the institute elevates automotive history to its rightful place as a significant cultural heritage.
The USA Today 10Best honor brings deserved attention to this extraordinary institution and its mission. For Naples, the recognition highlights a cultural attraction that complements the region’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities with intellectual and historical depth.
As the Revs Institute continues its mission of preservation and education, it ensures that future generations will understand and appreciate the profound impact automobiles have had on human society. In doing so, it truly lives up to its motto of “Preserving the Future of the Past.”
FAQs About Revs Institute
Where is Revs Institute located?
Revs Institute is located at 2500 Horseshoe Drive South, Naples, Florida, 34104, near Naples Airport.
What are the museum’s operating hours?
The museum is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays, and the entire month of August.
Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
Yes, all visitors must reserve tickets for specific dates and times in advance. Walk-in visitors cannot be accommodated.
How much time should I allow for my visit?
The museum recommends 90 minutes to 2 hours to fully experience the three-floor gallery.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, docent-led tours are available and highly recommended for a more informative experience.
How many cars are in the collection?
The collection features over 120 historically significant automobiles dating from 1896 to 1995.
Is the museum suitable for visitors who aren’t car enthusiasts?
Absolutely! Many visitors who don’t consider themselves “car people” report thoroughly enjoying the museum for its historical and cultural significance.
What makes Revs Institute different from other car museums?
Unlike most museums, Revs Institute maintains all vehicles in operational condition, displays them without barriers, and functions as a working educational institution with archives and research facilities.
Can I take photographs in the museum?
Photography policies may vary, so it’s best to check current guidelines when visiting.
Is the museum accessible to visitors with mobility challenges?
The three-story facility is designed to accommodate all visitors. Check with the museum for specific accessibility information.