DETROIT (Nov. 10, 2016) — Sad news: The Walter P. Chrysler Museum, located on the corporate campus of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) north of Detroit, is closing...again.
But this time it'll be for good. According to the auto maker, the 55,000-squ.-ft. museum building will be converted to office space.
The museum, which opened in 1999, closed to the public at year-end 2012 only to reopen earlier this year on select dates.
Despite a great collection of concept, racing and production cars and knowledgeable staff, it was never a huge tourist draw; Auburn Hills is a little far off the beaten path for Motor City visitors; and it seemed that many locals had no idea it was even there.
As to the fate of the roughly 65 vehicles in the museum's collection, plus artifacts and informational displays: Don't expect a firesale auction.
FCA claims that the cars will be retained, cared for and displayed at the auto maker's various facilities (we hope the company continues to bring them out for car shows from time to time.)
It's likely the last chance for visitors to see all the cars together for the foreseeable future, though.
Anyone interested in checking out the museum before the collection is removed can swing by between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Nov. 19 and 20 and Dec. 17 and 18. After that, it's over.
Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and FCA retirees, and $6 for kids aged 6-17. Kids 5 and under get in free. Visit the museum's website for more information and directions.
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This report appeared on the website of Autoweek magazine, a sibling publication of Tire Business.
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