The DFW Car & Toy Museum has been named a Best of Texas winner in the Museum category, an honor bestowed by Guide to Texas through its annual statewide awards program. The recognition is significant not only as a mark of prestige but as a testament to the museum's growing impact on the North Texas cultural landscape. Since opening its doors in Fort Worth in March 2025, the museum has quickly become a destination for car enthusiasts, toy collectors, families, and travelers, drawing support from the very visitors it was built to serve. The award, determined primarily by public voting, reflects genuine community backing and signals that the museum's approach—combining an expansive collection with free admission—resonates deeply with Texans.
The Best of Texas designation represents the highest statewide winner designation in a program that recognizes businesses across numerous categories. For the DFW Car & Toy Museum, being selected in the Museum category is particularly meaningful because it comes directly from the people who walked through the doors, explored the collection, and cast their votes. "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who voted for us," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the museum. "We built this museum because we wanted people to have a place where they could see incredible cars and toys, learn something, have fun and simply enjoy themselves. To have Texans recognize us with this award means a tremendous amount to us."
The museum's story began decades before its Fort Worth opening. Sturgeon started collecting toys in the 1980s and eventually expanded to full-size automobiles. What began as a personal passion grew into a collection of more than 200 cars and over 3,000 toys and collectibles, originally housed in Haltom City. As the collection expanded, so did the need for a larger space, leading to the move to 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth. Today, visitors can explore an ever-changing array of European classics, American automobiles, Japanese cars, race cars, celebrity vehicles, vintage toys, model cars, robots, and antique German toys. Perhaps most notably, admission is free—a deliberate choice to make the museum accessible to everyone, from lifelong enthusiasts to curious families.
The implications of this award extend beyond a single trophy. It validates a model that prioritizes community access over exclusive pricing, and it positions Fort Worth as a rising cultural destination in Texas. The museum has also become a gathering place, hosting events every weekend that bring together car clubs, collectors, and families. With flexible event spaces, it offers a unique venue for private parties, corporate gatherings, and club events. The Best of Texas win amplifies the museum's visibility, likely attracting even more visitors and reinforcing its role as a community asset. "We don't take this for granted," Sturgeon said. "Every person who visits, tells a friend, posts a photo, leaves a review or votes for us helps us continue building something special here in Fort Worth. We are very thankful."
For those who have yet to visit, the museum offers free admission and welcomes families, car enthusiasts, toy collectors, and well-behaved dogs. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with final entry at 5 p.m. With more than 200 cars, thousands of toys, and events throughout the year, there is plenty to discover. After being named Best of Texas, the museum has a simple message: Thank you, Texas. We couldn't have done it without you.
