Mercedes Benz 1886-2026 Opening May 4, 2026
The Saratoga Automobile Museum proudly announces Mercedes-Benz 1886-2026, its next major feature exhibition, opening May 4, 2026 and on view through October 25, 2026. Spanning 140 years of automotive history, the exhibition explores the origins of Mercedes-Benz through the pioneering work of Karl Benz, Gottlieb Daimler, and Wilhelm Maybach, and revisits Bertha Benz’s historic 1888 journey, widely considered the world’s first road trip. From the invention of the automobile to today’s most advanced performance machines, Mercedes-Benz 1886-2026 traces a legacy shaped by safety-innovation, engineering excellence, and motorsport achievement.
Beginning with the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, recognized as the first practical automobile, the exhibition brings together an exceptional lineup of landmark vehicles that chart the evolution of the marque. Highlights include the 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K, the 1952 Mercedes-Benz 220A hand painted by internationally acclaimed artist Hiro Yamagata, the 1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S Cabriolet, the iconic 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II, the ultra rare Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss, with only 75 examples produced worldwide, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz G63 6x6, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, and the 2025 Mercedes-AMG ONE. Together, these automobiles present a sweeping view of Mercedes-Benz history and cultural influence, from early invention to modern engineering ambition.
Complementing the historic vehicles, acclaimed artist Lyn Hiner is creating ten original Mercedes-Benz paintings specifically for the exhibition. Displayed throughout the gallery, her works use vivid color and layered compositions to offer a contemporary artistic interpretation of the brand’s history, form, and enduring visual identity. The exhibition will also feature a special section on restoration developed in collaboration with famed Mercedes-Benz restorer Paul Russell and McPherson College. That section will explore the craftsmanship, scholarship, and preservation required to sustain automotive history, including McPherson College’s restored Mercedes-Benz 300S Cabriolet, which earned honors at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Mercedes-Benz 1886-2026 opens to the public on May 4, 2026 at the Saratoga Automobile Museum, located in the historic Saratoga Spa State Park. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, May 6, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Museum members are admitted free of charge. A gallery talk will begin at 6:00 PM. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served and a cash bar will be available.