Inside Naples’ Hidden Museum: The Revs Institute
The Revs Institute
When we were in Naples for a family event, we made went as a group to the Revs Institute. The Revs Institute is a world-class automotive museum and research center in Naples, Florida, featuring over 100 rare, historically significant vehicles.
I’ll be honest, I’m not a car person. But this wasn’t just a room full of shiny vehicles. It was one of the most thoughtfully curated, unexpectedly moving museum experiences I’ve had in a while.
At The Revs Institute
1908 Mors Type Grand PrixFour cylinder in-line engine
With its climate-controlled galleries and immersive displays, Revs turned out to be the perfect spot for a hot, humid Florida afternoon. And even more than that, it offered a quiet look into history—not just of automobiles, but of human curiosity, invention, and design.
A Museum With a Mission
Located in a sleek, unassuming building in Naples, the Revs Institute is part museum, part archive, and part restoration lab. Founded by Miles Collier, it's home to over 100 rare and historically significant vehicles, and one of the world's top automotive research collections. But you don’t have to be a car enthusiast to appreciate what’s inside.
1962 Lotus Elite Series II S.E. Four-cylinder in-line engine
More Than Just Racing
What struck me most were the stories that extended beyond speed and sport:
The 1896 Panhard et Levassor Wagonette stands as one of the earliest automobiles ever built—a glimpse into the very beginning of modern transportation. It’s hard to imagine just how revolutionary this machine must have felt in its time.
The Revolutionary Lotus 49, a 967 Lotus 49 was driven by Formula 1 icon Jim Clark to victory at the Dutch Grand Prix and later in Britain and the U.S. It introduced a design that forever changed F1 engineering
The museum’s founder, Miles Collier, treats cars as cultural storytelling tools. From post-war innovations to mid-century luxury, each vehicle reveals something about the time it came from.
Thoughtful Design, Cool Spaces
The galleries are spacious, calm, and cool, literally, so bring a sweater! It's an ideal indoor activity if you're visiting Naples in the warmer months. The lighting is gentle, signage is clear and informative, and the entire experience invites slow wandering and curiosity. It also made for a great multi-generational visit.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to love cars to love Revs. You just have to appreciate beauty, history, and the ways innovation shapes everyday life. For us, it was a peaceful and surprisingly inspiring way to spend part of the day—especially after a morning beach walk or a meal at one of Naples' many local spots.
Tips for Visiting Revs Institute:
Reserve tickets in advance: They manage admission to keep the museum calm and uncrowded. Tickets are available at https://revsinstitute.org/.
Visit mid-day to escape the heat—it’s beautifully air-conditioned.
Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours to take your time and enjoy the stories.
Do the Guided Tour, we loved hearing the interesting stories about each of the cars, it’s well worth it.
Bring a Sweater, they keep the building quite cool so you may want a light jacket or sweater.
No food onsite, but Tin City and downtown Naples are just minutes away for a bite after.
We left feeling a little more connected to a new (to us) slice of history. And isn’t that what good travel does—open your eyes, even in the most surprising of places?
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