Legends come to life

Gallery on the lower level of the Museum brings to life the postwar era as H-D responds to competition from abroad with new products, new manufacturing facilities, and attempts to expand into the new youth market.

This 1951 dealership diorama illustrates the enthusiasm of the post-war period.

In the early 1960s, Harley-Davidson diversified its product line to include scooters and small motorcycles.

The Museum's Celebration Wall showcases backlit photos submitted by H-D riders themselves. Without question, it's the perfect tribute to those who ride.

Racing display case.

Harley-Davidson was owned at one time by AMF, but in 1981 regained independence through a much-publicized buyback, which is featured in a film on the lower level of the Museum.

In 1981, Harley-Davidson once again became an independent company through a much-publicized buyback.

The Harley-Davidson Journey, Part 2

As you meander downstairs to continue your tour, you'll enter another set of galleries which feature some of Harley-Davidson's more recent history.

At the foot of the stairs sits a diorama recreating a window display from a 1951 Harley-Davidson® dealership. Making your way through the galleries, you'll experience some of Harley-Davidson's most successful and most challenging events of recent years – from the launch of the Sportster® model in 1957 to the merger with AMF in 1969.

Not to be missed is the three-screen video that tells the courageous story of all those involved in buying the company back from AMF in order to regain control of Harley-Davidson's destiny.

More Exhibits

• Worn To Be Wild
• Experience Gallery
• Engine Room
• Clubs & Competition
• Custom Culture
• Design Lab
• The Harley-Davidson Journey, Part 1
• The Harley-Davidson Journey, Part 2
• The Journey of the Iron Elite
• The Motorcycle Gallery, Part 1: 1903 – 1940s
• The Motorcycle Gallery, Part 2: 1940s – Present
• Tank Wall
• Imagination Station
• Build A Bike
• Tsunami Bike
• Designing a Celebration