Last updated on .
The Walter P. Chrysler Museum was a museum dedicated to cars produced by Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Plymouth, Nash, Hudson, Rambler, DeSoto, Willys-Overland, and AMC. It was named for the founder of the Chrysler Corporation (now Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), Walter Chrysler.
The Walter P. Chrysler Museum featured 65 historically significant vehicles and was located in Auburn Hills, Michigan, near the Chrysler headquarters. It opened in October 1999 and operated until December 2012, closing down due to low attendance. It briefly reopened for a short period in 2016. I was able to visit in May 2009.
Lobby
In the lobby was a rotating tower featuring concept vehicles, such as the Chrysler Atlantic, and wall listing founding dealerships of the museum.
Ground Floor
On the ground floor were displays on the history of the Chrysler Corporation, with scenes depicting Walter Chrysler in his workshop and office as well as the development of the Jeep for the US Army in World War II.
There were also antique cars, with some dating back to before the Chrysler Corporation was founded.
Flagship automobiles, such as the Chrysler Town & Country and Chrysler New Yorker were prominently on display.
Second Floor
On the second floor were displays about vehicle safety, engines, electronics, and styling. There were also a couple of muscle cars and the Dodge Voyager minivan, which was a major innovation in the 1980s.
Finally, I was able to see a jeep used in the Iraq War and a Jeep Rubicon model.
Basement
In the basement, I was able to see some classic race cars as well as trucks.
There were also several beautiful muscle cars from the 1960s and 70s on display.
Current Status
In May 2018, it was announced that the entire museum collection was moved to the old Connor Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit, where the Dodge Viper was once manufactured. Although it will not be open to the public, Fiat Chrysler said it’s not opposed to the possibility (as of September 2024).
