The National Corvette Museum announced its expansion and preservation efforts to grow the Corvette collection, with an opening date in Fall 2026. The new facility will be a 66,000-square-foot building with more exhibition space and will feature iconic Corvettes and artifacts. The expansion project has been supported with $2.1 million in funding.
The museum also stated that it will support public education and engage visitors through new programming. Visitors will be able to take behind-the-scenes tours and gain access to Corvette history and fresh perspectives on the collection.
The new facility will support enhanced and strategic preservation efforts to the highest standards for historic cars such as Neil Armstrong’s Corvette, and will enable the acceptance of even more rare and iconic vehicles.
“When a Corvette with a story like Neil Armstrong’s comes through our doors, it deserves to be cared for in a space that is built to honor its legacy,” said Robert Maxhimer, Director of Curatorial Affairs and Education at the National Corvette Museum.
According to the museum’s press release, the Vehicle Collections Gallery will be named after Mary Schrodt and Ivan Schrodt, who have made a generous $1,000,000 commitment to the project. In addition, Michael LaRocca, the museum’s Board Chair-Elect, has pledged $500,000 to name the Michael LaRocca & Family Atrium, while philanthropists Melanie McMichael and Tim McMichael & Family have committed $500,000 to name the McMichael Family Preservation Center and the Glenn & Andrea Johnson Heritage Conservation Lab. 4
The museum has also received an anonymous donation of $100,000.
The National Corvette Museum is situated in close proximity to the Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky — the site of Corvette production since 1981. For visitors who want to feel the thrill of Corvette performance, there is also the NCM Motorsports Park just across the highway (I-65).
The Chevrolet Corvette first debuted in 1953, built with the intention of becoming America’s own sports car that would stand equal to European rivals. With the introduction of the iconic Sting Ray in 1963, the Corvette cemented its status as “America’s Sports Car.”
Not only does a Corvette deliver powerful performance, it also offers timeless design, whether it’s the classic ’60s curves or the futuristic lines of the C8, and comes at a much more affordable price than sports cars from European competitors such as Porsche and Jaguar. And if you’re ready to experience that performance without the supercar price tag, one smart way to start is by looking into pre-owned models. To find used Corvettes at great value, visit usedcars.com.