Walter P. Chrysler Museum In Auburn Hills To Permanently Close

AUBURN HILLS (WWJ) - Fiat Chrysler plans to permanently close the Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills next month and convert it into office space.

According to the automaker, the company will, however, continue to preserve its historical vehicles and will showcase them at

internal and external events.

That includes displays around the Chrysler Technology Center and other FCA facilities in the U.S.

The three-story, 55,000 square foot museum covers 10 acres at the southeast edge of the Chrysler Headquarters Complex. When the museum opened in 1999, it was the first in the country to be located at an automaker's headquarters.

In 2012 — after only 35,000 people had visited the museum the previous year  — Chrysler said revenue wasn't enough to sustain full time operations. After that, the museum still opened for special events.

The company says Dec. 18 will be the final day the museum is open to the public. The collection shown at the museum includes antique, custom and concept vehicles.

[For directions and more information, visit www.wpchryslermuseum.org].