$1 million gift fuels San Diego Automotive Museum’s expansion plans

It’s off to the races with a landmark $1 million gift from San Diego philanthropist Dorothea Laub, fueling the San Diego Automotive Museum’s ambitious expansion plans and bringing the museum closer to realizing its $20 million Capital Campaign.

Laub’s donation supports the Museum’s effort to build a new 35,000-square-foot facility that will seamlessly connect to its historic Balboa Park location. The expansion will provide additional space for rotating exhibits, educational programs, and community events, as well as a rooftop reception venue with sweeping views of Downtown San Diego and Balboa Park.

The project aims to strengthen the Museum’s role as a cultural and educational hub, creating greater access, fostering deeper community engagement, and expanding its collections.

The Capital Campaign kicked off on June 15 with a $1 million lead gift from Advance Test Equipment Rentals. Together with Laub’s contribution, these gifts underscore the strong community support that is propelling the museum’s growth, according to a news release.

“We are lucky to count Dorothea as one of our greatest supporters. Her belief in the Museum’s mission and her extraordinary generosity have provided the momentum we need to reach new heights,” said Lenny Leszczynski, CEO of the San Diego Automotive Museum. “This gift is not just about today—it’s about the future we are building together.”

For more information or to support the San Diego Automotive Museum, visit sdautomuseum.org.