Bowling Green sees major build-out at Corvette Museum facility

The National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green broke ground on a 66,000-sq-ft collection centre that will display 200+ cars — including one once owned by Neil Armstrong.

By BismarckLocal Staff2 min read
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In short

  • It reinforces the city’s identity as the heart of “America’s Sports Car”.
  • The new 66,000-square-foot facility — equivalent to about 1.5 acres — is designed to honor and preserve the Corvette legacy.
  • Scheduled to open in Fall 2026, the center will begin offering guided public tours shortly after its launch.

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. The National Corvette Museum —broke ground Thursday on a new 66,000-square-foot collections facility in Bowling Green that will house more than 200 historic Corvettes, including the 1967 Sting Ray of Neil Armstrong.

 For the Bowling Green community – home to the GM Bowling Green Assembly Plant where every Corvette has been built since 1981 – this expansion by the Museum is more than a building project. It reinforces the city’s identity as the heart of “America’s Sports Car”. The new facility is part of the campus of the National Corvette Museum and will support preservation, behind-the-scenes tours, and expanded educational exhibits

 According to the Museum, the building will boost its capacity — “we can talk about more stories, talk about engineering and educate people on Corvette”, said President & CEO Bryce Burklow.

The new 66,000-square-foot facility — equivalent to about 1.5 acres — is designed to honor and preserve the Corvette legacy. Scheduled to open in Fall 2026, the center will begin offering guided public tours shortly after its launch. Built to safeguard high-value vehicles and historic artifacts, the collection will feature pieces like Neil Armstrong’s 1967 Marina Blue Sting Ray, which he famously drove during his time at NASA.

The facility will house advanced climate control systems, restoration and conservation workshops, long-term vehicle storage, and designated areas for public viewing, ensuring both preservation and accessibility for enthusiasts and visitors alike.

Robert Maxhimer, Director of Curatorial Affairs & Education: “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.”

Frequently asked questions

What is the new facility at the National Corvette Museum?

The new facility is a 66,000-square-foot collection center that will display over 200 historic Corvettes, including Neil Armstrong's 1967 Sting Ray.

When is the new Corvette collection facility expected to open?

The new collection facility is scheduled to open in Fall 2026, with guided public tours available shortly after its launch.

What features will the new collection center include?

The center will feature advanced climate control systems, restoration workshops, long-term vehicle storage, and public viewing areas to ensure preservation and accessibility.

How does this expansion benefit the Bowling Green community?

The expansion reinforces Bowling Green's identity as the home of 'America's Sports Car' and enhances local tourism by showcasing the Corvette legacy.

Who is Neil Armstrong's Corvette and why is it significant?

Neil Armstrong's 1967 Marina Blue Sting Ray is significant as it represents a piece of automotive and space history, showcasing the connection between the Corvette and a legendary astronaut.

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