The Blackhawk Museum (founded 1988) consists of five distinct galleries in one facility located in Danville, California. It is best known for its significant collection of classic, rare, and unique automobiles. In addition to its gallery ''Classic Car Collection'', the museum has four other galleries: ''The Spirit of the Old West'', ''Art of Africa'', ''Into China'', and ''World of Nature''. The facility is located within the Blackhawk Plaza shopping center and is an affiliate through the Smithsonian Affiliations program. The museum is a subsidiary of a not-for-profit Behring Global Educational Foundation.

History

Founded by a partnership between benefactor Ken Behring and Don Williams that began in 1982, the Blackhawk Automotive Museum first opened its doors in . The museum was established to ensure that significant automotive treasures would be exhibited for public enjoyment and educational enrichment. Hacienda-based architect Doug Dahlin is responsible for the design of the museum. In February 2015, the Blackhawk Museum added a permanent collection of 19th century North American artifacts calle
The Spirit of the Old West
showcasing both the settler and Native American stories of the European expansion into North America during the 1800s.

Collections

The museum houses about ninety classic cars. It also houses a display showcasing the work of the

Wheelchair Foundation The Wheelchair Foundation (WF) is a non-profit organization founded in June 2000 by real estate developer Ken Behring, and based in Danville, California. The foundation partners with donors (individuals, groups and companies) to provide wheelch ...

. One of the museum's most unusual possessions is a 1924

Hispano-Suiza H6 The Hispano-Suiza H6 is a luxury car that was produced by Hispano-Suiza, mostly in France. Introduced at the 1919 Paris Motor Show,Ultimatecarpage.com – Hispano Suiza H6C Monza the H6 was produced until 1933. Roughly 2,350 H6, H6B, and H6C cars ...

C with a body paneled with tulipwood. Over the years, the museum has also housed a 1962 John F. Kennedy limousine and a Chinese

Hongqi Hongqi (, Chinese for "Red Flag") may refer to: *Red Flag (magazine), ''Hongqi'' (magazine), published by the Chinese Communist Party from 1958 to 1988 *Hongqi (marque), Hongqi (automobile), luxury car series of First Automobile Works (FAW), Changc ...

, the first Chinese-made automobile to be imported to the United States. The museum is a partner in organizing the local Concours d'Elegance event, which showcases some of the museum's collection among the usual entrants. Several changing exhibitions, representative of topics in transportation, culture, and science as they relate to our society, have been hosted in the various galleries and reception areas throughout the museum. Current exhibitions include selections of American jukeboxes from the golden age of the juke box and a display of antique gas pumps. Since 2000, the Blackhawk Automotive Museum has been an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, and together they have partnered to bring a variety of cultural exhibitions, historical artifacts, and significant automobiles from across the US. Today, exhibits showcasing African art,

Chinese history The earliest known written records of the history of China date from as early as 1250 BC, from the Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BC), during the reign of king Wu Ding. Ancient historical texts such as the ''Book of Documents'' (early chapter ...

, and exotic animals have been added.

References

External links

Blackhawk Museum
{{authority control Museums established in 1988 Automobile museums in California Museums in Contra Costa County, California Smithsonian Institution affiliates 1988 establishments in California