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GILMORE CAR MUSEUM EXPANDS
Phase One of Gilmore Car Museum Expansion is Complete
Hickory Corners, MI
When the Gilmore Car Museum near Kalamazoo, MI opened its doors for the 2004 season, it also unveiled the non-profit museum’s largest expansion since it opened to the public 38 years ago. The addition of three new exhibit buildings, each resembling a historic barn, has increased the size of the museum by nearly fifty percent. With over 240 vehicles under the Museum’s stewardship, the improved facility was a necessity—they had simply run out of space.
One of the new structures was built for the Pierce-Arrow Foundation and houses an all-new exhibit of the famed luxury cars. The second new structure is an octagon addition to the 1890s barn that is home to the Classic Car Club of America Museum. The third and largest of the new buildings displays the new exhibit, “Kalamazoo–the OTHER Motor City,” featuring automobiles such as the Checker, Roamer and Barley which were built in the nearby town.
These new buildings are part of one phase in the Museum’s master plan, which outlines current and prospective needs. Future projects include the building of an Automotive Heritage Center for the museum’s offices, curriculum-based exhibits and educational programs, as well as retail and banquet space.
Slated to arrive within the next few weeks is an original 1941 Silk City Diner, formerly known as the “Blue Moon Diner.” For nearly 60 years and countless cups of coffee, the eatery was a Connecticut roadside landmark. This remarkably well-preserved diner is currently undergoing a complete restoration in Cleveland, OH.
In addition to the new exhibit featuring autos made in Kalamazoo, the museum has also added and expanded several displays. The “Gnome-Mobile” exhibit, featuring the larger-than-life movie set and the 1930 Rolls Royce from the 1967 Walt Disney production, has been updated. An all-new display features the addition of nearly 600 automotive mascots and hood ornaments to the Museum’s already impressive collection.
The 2004 season includes the return of “The Fabulous Hudsons,” which highlights 22 Hudson automobiles from 1909 to 1956. Visitors will also see a comparison between early modes of automotive power chronicled in “A Question of Power: Steam, Gas or Electric?” and featuring the cars of Henry Ford is “A Century of Ford.”
Nestled on 90 landscaped acres in restored historic barns are over 200 extraordinary vehicles spanning more than 100 years of automotive heritage. There you’ll find vehicles ranging from a 1899 Locomobile, to the classic Duesenberg or the elusive Tucker '48, and from the Model T to the muscle cars of the 60s.
The Gilmore Car Museum is open to the public 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm daily and until 6 pm on weekends through October. Located in the heart of west Michigan, the museum is midway between Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Battle Creek, on M-43 and Hickory Road.
Whether you’re discovering the expanded Gilmore Car Museum for the first time or the 100th, you’re sure to enjoy a very unique experience as you take in the treasures that await you there.
To learn more about the Gilmore Car Museum visit: www.GilmoreCarMuseum.org
or call the museum at 269-671-5089.
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