Mack Trucks is expanding its history museum in Allentown, with plans to turn it into “a destination brand experience.”
The museum on 60 acres along Lehigh Parkway South next to Queen City Airport is part of the Mack Experience Center. It features many historical vehicles from the iconic Lehigh Valley manufacturer, including one of the original sightseeing buses built by Jack and Augustus Mack in 1909, along with a 1929 dump truck and a 1939 fire truck.
During Allentown’s State of the City address last week, Mack announced the additions to the facility, which also includes areas where customers can inspect their new truck and drive it on a test track. The museum is open to the public, but hours are limited and reservations are required.
According to a Mack spokesperson, the company is investing to open its doors further to the public and will partner with MKSD Architects and Boyle Construction to create public spaces. Work is beginning this year.
The Mack Experience Center will be “leveraging the Mack Product Showroom, Mack Museum, retail space, test track and various digital and physical experiences,” the spokesperson said in an email. It will be a “unique indoor and outdoor venue supporting multi-conference meeting and event needs.”
The improvements are expected to be completed by 2028.
Bree Nidds, chief operating officer of Discover Lehigh Valley, said the region is home to 26 museums with interests including arts, science and history, and places such as the Mack Experience strengthens the Valley’s position as a destination and adds to regional pride.
“We’re incredibly excited to see an experience like this coming to the Lehigh Valley, especially one that pays tribute to a company as deeply rooted in our region’s history as Mack Trucks,” Nidds said. “A new public museum creates a meaningful new way for residents and visitors alike to connect with the legacy of innovation and industry that helped shape Allentown and the Lehigh Valley.”
Mack also has an extensive exhibit at the America on Wheels museum in Allentown, which the company said it will keep.
The Mack Experience underwent a $2.3 million renovation in 2023 that featured a reconfigured floor plan, facility enhancements and additional road obstacles for the test track.