Museum to close; Chrysler Group buys collection

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Walter P. Chrysler Museum will close at year’s end, following years of fundraising challenges and operating at a deficit.

The museum will merge with The Chrysler Foundation effective Dec. 31. Subsequently, the museum’s historic collection of 67 vehicles and displays will be purchased by Chrysler Group LLC, a move that will preserve the company’s automotive heritage for future generations. The proceeds from the sale along with the remaining cash reserves of the Walter P. Chrysler Museum Foundation will be transferred to The Chrysler Foundation, where they will support a broad range of charitable community activities and organizations.

“We are very thankful for the generosity of our many members, friends, volunteers and employees and very proud of the museum’s legacy as an educational and cultural institution,” said Brian Glowiak, president, Walter P. Chrysler Museum Foundation.

The museum, opened to the public on Oct. 5, 1999, was the first on-site museum to be built by a North American automobile company.

“Chrysler will continue to share its automobile heritage housed at the Museum with the public during special exhibitions. The existing Museum facilities will also be used to meet Chrysler Group needs,” added Glowiak.

For history and vehicle statistics on Chryslers, check out our Standard Catalog of Chrysler 1914-2000 – now with updated pricing!