You may remember around a year ago, we shared the sad news that the Walter P. Chrysler Museum would be closing its doors for good on December 18th, 2016. Since it’s opening back in 1999 under the leadership of Daimler, the Walter P. Chrysler Museum played home to over 60 Mopar vehicles ranging from unique concept cars to rare muscle cars such as an A12 1969 ½ Road Runner and a 1969 Daytona. Over the years, over a million visitors came through the doors of the legendary building. The museum was closed due to funding issues in 2012, but was reopened in June 2016. Unfortunately since reopening, the museum was only open during very limited hours so it only saw around 4,000 visitors since then.
When FCA announced the closure, it was also reported that the building would be used for office space. “After opening to the public on a limited basis through 2016, FCA US confirms that it will convert the Walter P. Chrysler Museum into much needed office space with Dec. 18, 2016, being its last public day. The Company will continue to preserve its historical vehicles and will showcase them at internal and external events including being on display around the Chrysler Technology Center and other FCA US facilities.”
We all hoped FCA wouldn’t go through with closing the museum but it looks like they indeed have. According to a report by Allpar, as of September this year, the old museum is now home to the American headquarters for FCA’s Maserati and Alfa Romeo brand. It’s a sad time.