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Walter P. Chrysler Museum To Close At End Of 2012

soundhd

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If you have not heard the Chrysler Museum is closing at the end of Dec. 2012. If you have not ever been or where thinking about going back better do it soon.....

sad in Michigan

PS: Did not know which section to post this.....hope I picked the right one.....


Walter P. Chrysler Museum to close

After losing money for the last few years, the Walter P. Chrysler Museum will close its doors at the end of the year when Chrysler buys its vehicles and exhibits.
The three-story, 55,000-square-foot museum opened in October 1999 in Auburn Hills, Michigan, on the same campus as the Chrysler corporate headquarters. It boasted a 125-seat theater, along with a centerpiece rotating platform that featured some of the museum’s prized possessions. However, as Chrysler faced bankruptcy in late 2007, it spun off the museum as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in February 2008, leasing the building to the museum, which operated independently of the company.
In recent years, the museum “was challenged by economic factors” and operated at a deficit, according to Chrysler spokesman Kevin Frazier. According to its IRS Form 990 statements, the museum lost $657,510 in 2011 and $803,758 in 2010 after operating in the black to the tune of $623,903 in 2009 and $5.4 million in 2008. Frazier said that Chrysler stepped in to purchase the museum’s assets, which include 67 vehicles along with the exhibits, to prevent the collection from being sold off piecemeal, yet Chrysler – faced with the same economic factors that led to the museum’s losses – will close the museum to the public, opening it only during special events.
At the same time, the Walter P. Chrysler Museum Foundation, the non-profit, will merge with the Chrysler Foundation to support Chrysler’s charitable activities. Frazier did not say whether Chrysler has any plans to re-open the museum should economic conditions improve.
 
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That is too bad. Chrysler should do what GM does at its Detroit HQ in the Renaissance Center, put the cars on display everywhere on the main floor. There might not be 67 of 'em at GM, and GM's are current models instead of classics, but there are at least 40 cars and plenty of room for more.
 
Just my opinion but I guess the "Italian's" just don't get it when it comes to American automotive history.....

sad in Michigan


Lets try to understand this. The collection was spun off to protect it when Ma Mopar was facing bankruptcy which could have forced the collection to be liquidated. Now after 2 years of operating in the red, the foundation can no longer cover the loss. The new Ma Mopar, the Italians, are stepping in and purchasing the collection,they already own the building. The collection will remain intact, although the museum will not be open other then on special occasions. The new owners have decided to not continue to operate the museum at a loss. Sounds like smart business to me. They could have allowed the collection to be broken up but thought it should remain intact along with the exhibits. Maybe they understand a little more about American auto history then you want to give them credit for............BTW


http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/showthread.php?44766-WPC-Museum-closing-end-of-2012

http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/showthread.php?44877-WP-Chrysler-Museum-SOLD!!!!
 
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