A major new exhibition charting more than a century of car manufacturing in Luton is set to open next month, offering a poignant look at the town’s industrial heritage following the closure of the Vauxhall plant last year.
“Luton Made: Vauxhall” will explore over 120 years of history, highlighting the people, skills and community that shaped one of the town’s most defining industries. The exhibition comes at a significant moment for Luton, as the borough marks its 150th anniversary while reflecting on the end of car production in 2025.
Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and developed in collaboration with former workers, the exhibition will feature previously unseen photographs, archive film, personal stories and memorabilia, bringing to life what it was like to work at the factory across generations.
Visitors will be able to step inside an immersive experience that captures both life on the production line and the wider social impact Vauxhall had on the town’s identity, workforce and culture.
Among the highlights will be five historic vehicles on loan from the British Motor Museum, including the first and last cars built in Luton, alongside first-hand accounts from former employees.
A programme of talks, workshops and community events will run alongside the exhibition, with a virtual reality experience set to launch later in May.
The opening weekend will feature a family fun day on Saturday 2 May, followed by a classic car show on Sunday 3 May showcasing a range of Vauxhall and Bedford vehicles.
Luton Council leader Hazel Simmons said the exhibition would give residents a chance to reflect on the company’s legacy.
She said: “We are extremely proud to launch this exhibition as part of our celebrations of 150 years of Luton’s borough status. Following the plant’s closure in 2025, this is a poignant moment to recognise and celebrate the enormous contribution Vauxhall has made to our town.
“This exhibition brings those stories to life in innovative ways, celebrating the people, skills and community at the heart of Luton’s identity. It offers something for everyone, from former employees and car enthusiasts to young people inspired by design and engineering.”
The exhibition will run at Stockwood Discovery Centre from Saturday 2 May to Sunday 28 June, open from 11am to 5pm to Sunday, with free admission. It forms part of the wider Luton 150 programme of events taking place throughout 2026 to celebrate the town’s history and community spirit.
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