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Automaker plans to close Chrysler Museum in suburban Detroit

In this 2003 photo, Chrysler Group President and CEO Dieter Zetsche, right, and NASCAR racing great Richard Petty celebrate with hundreds of fans at the Walter P. Chrysler Museum during the exhibit's gala opening. (Joe Wilssens/ DAIMLERCHRYSLER / WPD)
Associated Press

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Fiat Chrysler plans to permanently close the Walter P. Chrysler Museum in suburban Detroit next month and convert it into office space.

The automaker told the Detroit News the company will continue to preserve its historical vehicles and will showcase them at internal and external events, including displays around the Chrysler Technology Center and other FCA facilities in the U.S.

The museum opened in 1999. It was closed to the public for financial reasons since the end of 2012 with the exception of private events, but reopened again to the public in June. The company says Dec. 18 will be the final day the museum is open to the public.

The collection shown at the Auburn Hills museum includes antique, custom and concept vehicles.