Zippo/Case Museum entrance with the Case Jeep and Zippo Car.

Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store

The Zippo/Case Museum tells the story of two American icons – both based in Bradford, PA – through an extensive collection of priceless Zippo and Case artifacts. The museum’s exhibits include the very first Zippo lighter, an exploration of Zippo and Case’s American military history, the world-famous Zippo Repair Clinic, and even a replica of the first knife to go the moon!

We also invite you to shop the Flagship Store’s selection of Zippo, Case, Ronson, and Northern Lights Candles products.

Visit Today

The Zippo/Case Museum tells the story of two American icons-both based in Bradford, PA - through an extensive collection of priceless Zippo and Case artifacts. The exhibits include the very first Zippo lighter, an exploration of Zippo and Case's American military history, the world-famous Zippo Repair Clinic, and even a replica of the first knife to go to the moon!

 

Enjoy a self-guided tour to learn the rich history of two American icons. Or, schedule a guided tour.

 

Hours

Open seven days a week.
Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Open Christmas eve 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and New Year’s Eve 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Closed: January 1 & 2, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

 

Location

Just off the US Route 219 Expressway – look for the LED highway sign!
10 Miles south of Interstate 86 (Former NY-17), Exit 23

1932 Zippo Drive
Bradford, Pennsylvania 16701
*For GPS, use Chestnut Street Extension
Click Here for Google Map Directions

 

Contact Us

You can reach the Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store
814-368-1932
museum@zippo.com

Amenities

  • Free admission!
  • Handicap accessible
  • Restroom facilities
  • Free bus parking

 

Guided Tours

Tour groups of 10 or more – including bus tours – are welcome. Some restrictions apply. Please contact us at 814-368-2728 and request extension 2728, or email museum@zippo.com to book your tour.

Groups who are calling the day of their scheduled guided tour should please call 814-368-1932 with any last-minute changes or cancellations. Scheduled tour groups that arrive more than 30 minutes late may not receive a guided tour on that date, although these groups are still welcome to visit on the date of their scheduled tour for an unaccompanied self-guided tour or call to reschedule a guided tour.

Contact us for more information about our Evening at the Museum offering, a unique after-hours group experience.

Exhibits That Will Spark Your Interest

An Ally for the Allies exhibit.

An Ally for the Allies, an exploration of Zippo's contributions to the American effort in WWII.

View of the Repair Center.

"It Works or We Fix It Free," a glance into Zippo's famous Repair Center.

Lighter case examples.

Masters of Metalworking, our newest exhibit installed in March 2023, spotlights Zippo and Case design capabilities.

Giant knife on display.

This giant Case Kodiak knife once adorned the company vehicle used to transport Case employees between work and home.

The Magic Circle map on display.

"The Magic Circle" emphasizes the rich history of the cutlery industry in this region.

Exhibit of date stamps.

What's in a date? Learn the significance of Case tang stamps and Zippo bottom stamps during your visit.

2015 Collectible of the Year.

Our annual Zippo Collectible of the Year offers fans and collectors all over the globe an exquisite, limited-edition keepsake. This 2015 Collectible of the Year lighter pays special tribute to the 3rd and 4th generation of this family-owned company.

Rare Case knife.

You'll find some of our rarest and oldest Case knives on display.

Town and Country sailboat design on lighter.

Ever wonder how iconic Zippo designs were created? Learn more about Zippo art and manufacturing.

Case Collectors Club memorabilia.

The Case Collectors Club celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2021. Case Collectors Club members can shop exclusive products in the flagship store.

Case Stay Sharp Jeep outside the museum.

In nice weather, you can snap a photo outside with the Zippo Car, Zippo Jeep, and Case Stay Sharp Jeep.

Windy neon sign and advertisements.

Zippo's first major national advertising campaign featured Windy, the first spokesmodel.

Flagship Store

Shop the Zippo/Case Museum Flagship Store – the only place in the world where you can find the complete selection of Zippo and Case products, as well as select Ronson products and Northern Lights Candles! Purchase items from our growing line of outdoor accessories, kitchen cutlery, apparel, eyewear, collectible souvenirs, and museum-exclusives! Add a personal touch to select items with in-store engraving while you wait.

Interior view of the Flagship Store
Expanded view of the Flagship Store

Inside the Flagship Store.

Museum History

The first museum, the Zippo Family Store and Museum, opened in late 1993. Aptly named, as it featured products for sale from the Zippo family of companies at the time: Zippo, W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company and Holgate Toys.

The original museum was quite small and quickly proved inadequate to satisfy the passion of collectors and curiosity of tourists who made the trip to Bradford. In 1995, plans for a brand new and greatly expanded store and museum were initiated. The grand opening of the Zippo/Case Visitors Center took place on July 18, 1997, coinciding with the company’s 65th anniversary celebration. It was the centerpiece of the 1997 Zippo/Case International Swap Meet. More than 8,000 people from around the globe attended the three-day event, inaugurating a flow of international visitors that continues today.

The Zippo/Case Museum now hosts more than 50,000 visitors annually. Collectors and tourists travel from all around the United States and many other countries including Japan, Korea, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, and Brazil to revel in their love of these two iconic American brands.

Image of the Grand Opening Commemorative Lighter.

Grand Opening Commemorative Lighter.

Zippo Through The Decades

1930s – Zippo Manufacturing Company is established with the production of the first Zippo lighter – complete with our famous lifetime guarantee.

1940s – Zippo makes its big-screen debut in 1942. Zippo lighters have since made over 2,000 film appearances.

1950s – The Slim® lighter is released and the new Date Code System is established using bottom stamps as identifiers.

1960s – The “Encore Moment” - Concertgoers raise their Zippo windproof lighters during musical performances for the first time, starting a phenomenon that has been replicated all over the world.

1970s – Our largest lighter repair to date: the iconic neon sign atop Zippo Headquarters.

1980s – Zippo releases its first alternative lighter insert, allowing users to choose their preferred flame for the first time.

1990s – The famous Zippo car is recreated after the original vehicle mysteriously disappeared in the 70s.

2000s – Icon status. The shape of the Zippo lighter was patented in 2002.

2010s – Zippo trademarked the unmistakable click in 2018.

2020s – Celebrating our 90th Anniversary.

Zippo Through The Decades

1930s – Zippo Manufacturing Company is established with the production of the first Zippo lighter – complete with our famous lifetime guarantee.

1940s – Zippo makes its big-screen debut in 1942. Zippo lighters have since made over 2,000 film appearances.

1950s – The Slim® lighter is released and the new Date Code System is established using bottom stamps as identifiers.

1960s – The “Encore Moment” - Concertgoers raise their Zippo windproof lighters during musical performances for the first time, starting a phenomenon that has been replicated all over the world.

1970s – Our largest lighter repair to date: the iconic neon sign atop Zippo Headquarters.

1980s – Zippo releases its first alternative lighter insert, allowing users to choose their preferred flame for the first time.

1990s – The famous Zippo car is recreated after the original vehicle mysteriously disappeared in the 70s.

2000s – Icon status. The shape of the Zippo lighter was patented in 2002.

2010s – Zippo trademarked the unmistakable click in 2018.

2020s – Celebrating our 90th Anniversary.