Forney Museum of Transportation
Unexpected vehicles—from early automobiles and motorcycles to locomotives, bicycles, and the ornate Big Boy locomotive—turn transportation history into a study of design choices.
Artwork inspired by Arnold Rönnebeck
The Forney Transportation Museum is a transportation museum located in Denver, Colorado. It is named after the founder, J. D. Unexpected vehicles—from early automobiles and motorcycles to locomotives, bicycles, and the ornate Big Boy locomotive—turn transportation history into a study of design choices. Start with the collection map and choose a technological thread such as power, luxury, or personal mobility instead of moving case by case.
Compare controls, passenger space, and materials across decades; small ergonomic changes often reveal more than headline horsepower.
- Collection
- 800+ transport artifacts
- Standout
- Big Boy locomotive
- Allow
- 2–3 hours
Quick guide
- Rail and automobile
- Rail, automobile, or unusual vehicles
- Leave time for
- Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4005
Quick guide
- Opening question
- Use the collection map and choose a theme—rail, automobile, motorcycle, or unusual vehicle.
- Rail and automobile
- Set beside it controls, passenger space, and materials reveal how transportation design changed.
- Evidence to test
- Read leave enough time for the Union Pacific Big Boy locomotive.
- Conditions check
- Check some vehicles rotate off view; confirm must-see objects before traveling.
Good to know
Bags, purses, backpacks, and diaper bags are not allowed in the exhibit area; complimentary lockers are provided. The collection extends far beyond automobiles.
Notice these
- Big Boy locomotive
- Unusual vehicles
- Changing collection displays