AutoPavilion

In March 2004 Uitenhage (just 35 km from Port Elizabeth) celebrated the opening of The AutoPavilion. This unique heritage centre of cars and motoring legends makes a great day out for all the family. At The AutoPavilion, a million Rand state-of-the-art heritage centre with an elite display of automobiles, you will be taken on an amazing and interesting journey from the historical beginnings of the Volkswagen Group to its most recent developments. The amazing special effects and stunning interactive displays make, the AutoPavilion the ultimate in edutainment. Visitors will enjoy a display of a unique collection of prototype landmark cars and record-holding vehicles. Volkswagen of South Africa's high-tech, interactive expo and heritage centre takes you on a full-throttle journey from concept to classic, laser to legend, with the cars that defined the past and inspire the future all on display.

The Video screens, moving features, fragrance machines (creating a very real sensory experience) and state-of-the-art light technology will ensure visitors leave having had a truly sensory experience – be it sight, sound, touch or scent!

The AutoPavilion is architecturally unique and it is the only automobile discovery centre on the African continent – in fact there are only 4 others like it in the world!

The four different galleries at the AutoPavilion are there for visitors to enjoy and explore:

THE VOLKSWAGEN STORY is an exhibit that takes the enthusiast on a journey of the numerous milestones that Volkswagen has achieved in South Africa.

THE VOLKSWAGEN BRAND EXPERIENCE is an exploration of the world of Volkswagen.

THE VOLKSWAGEN GROUP GALLERY is a showcase of the entire Group's brands.

THE NOSTALGIA ZONE encourages you to experience and remember the 'good old days' including the first Kombi and Beetle ever made in South Africa.

Come and enjoy this great day out for all the family and go behind the scenes of this world-leading car brand.

Opening Times:

MONDAY – FRIDAY from 8h30 – 16h00

THE FIRST SATURDAY of each month: FROM 10H00 – 13H00.

CLOSED ON WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

School tour groups who have booked well in advance will be able to enter for free, while the general public will be charged a nominal entrance fee of R5.00 for adults, R2.00 for children under 16 and R2.00 for pensioners.

A guided factory tour starts every weekday morning at 09h00 but must be booked well in advance. This tour is free of charge and can accommodate up to 40 people (regret: no children under 12 are permitted in the factory). The tour takes approximately two hours and concludes with a complimentary viewing of the AutoPavilion.

There is no charge for a tour of the AutoPavilion where children (and cameras) are welcome. Visitors usually spend between 30 and 45 minutes in the AutoPavilion. There are also vending machines and the building is wheel chair compliant.