I have been aware of the Emil Frey Classics Museum in Safenwil for several years. I first heard about it from Pavel, who works for the Emil Frey Racing team. Then you, my readers, recommended it to me when I was compiling an article about the best museums for kids in Switzerland. Well… I’m a little ashamed that it took me a few years to get there. But last Sunday, the moment finally arrived – we set off for Safenwil in the canton of Aargau.
How to get there
The museum is located at Bahnhofplatz 2, 5745 Safenwil. By car, the journey to Safenwil takes less than an hour from both Bern and Zurich. Coming from Bern, leave the A1 motorway at the Zofingen/Oftringen exit and follow the signs for Safenwil. From Zurich, take the Aarau West/Kölliken exit. Once you arrive in Safenwil, follow the signs to the train station or the Classic Center Schweiz. Free parking is available directly in front of the building. By train: The Safenwil train station is located directly opposite the Classic Center Schweiz.
Opening hours and admission
The museum is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The museum is closed on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of the month. For exact opening hours (the museum may be closed for special events), always check the museum’s website before visiting.
Admission is CHF 10 for adults and CHF 5 for children, young people under 16, and seniors.
Emil Frey Classics Tour
Opened in 2015, the museum is housed in a carefully renovated former clothing factory where high-quality knitwear, underwear, nightgowns, and undershirts were produced until the early 1990s. The exhibition, featuring approximately 60 cars, spans three floors of the building, covering an exhibition area of 1,500 m².
The star of the collection, Sir Winston Churchill’s Land Rover 86, welcomes you in the foyer.
On the ground floor of the exhibition, you will learn a great deal about the company’s founder, Emil Frey, who, as the name suggests, was the founder. Emil Frey began as a bicycle mechanic, but thanks to his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for British brands, he became a pioneering Swiss automotive figure. He was importing Standard and Jaguar cars to Switzerland as early as the 1930s.
He was awarded an OBE for his services to the British automotive industry. Today, his name is not only carried by a whole network of car showrooms and a racing team, but also by this fascinating museum.
Unfortunately, during our visit, the first floor was closed due to the opening of a new temporary exhibition. At least we have a reason to come back! My tip: if possible, walk between floors using the stairs instead of the elevator. The staircase is lined with shelves filled with miniature model cars. Kids (and adults!) will have fun looking for their favorite brands.
On the second floor, you will find more cars. What was a big “wow moment” of the visit was that children could sit in a sports car!
After the tour, you can enjoy a cup of coffee in the pleasant museum café. Lunch is also served here during the week. There is also a small souvenir shop selling model cars, books, and other items for lovers of automotive history.
Summary
- A visit to the museum takes about an hour.
- If there are more than 15 of you, you can arrange a guided tour (for 200 CHF).
- An ideal tip for a rainy afternoon or as a stopover on your way through Switzerland.
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