Gilmore Car Museum Gives Back to Community

Discounted Family Rates, Free Admission for Education Groups, and more!

The Gilmore Car Museum – considered “America’s Signature Collection” – located just northeast of Kalamazoo, has introduced free admission for all K-12 school groups, special discounted family rates, and an extension of their Youth admission rate to include those up to 17 years of age. Effective immediate and inclusive by design, these efforts represent the Gilmore Car Museum’s commitment to making learning exciting and accessible to everyone in the community, giving families and educators alike the ability to experience and visit the Museum, when they may not have had the means to before. “’Tis the season for the spirit of giving,” says Director of Development, David Hatfield, “and we would like to give families in the community the gift of reduced admission by offering a discounted family admission package – two adults and an unlimited number of youth for just $46.00.” In addition to welcoming families to the Museum, these efforts aim to boost educational involvement: from school tours and after-school programs, to scout troops and more. All organized educational groups can make arrangements to visit the Museum, completely free of charge. It’s believed this is a first for any car museum in the nation. “We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to all schools and all school districts and educational groups,” says Fred Colgren, Director of Education, who recently joined the Gilmore Car Museum staff following his retirement from Kalamazoo Central High School.  “In 2013 the Museum played host to nearly 2,000 students and we look forward to growing our by making the heritage of the American automobile accessible to everyone, free of charge.” Gilmore Car Museum’s educational programs use the Museum’s unique, world-class collection to teach students about the history of transportation in American, connecting them with the heritage and social impact of the automobile, while also diving into diverse subjects—from Geography to Math and Science and beyond! The Gilmore Car Museum continues to astound visitors of every age with exciting exhibits ranging from cars of the 1890s—including rare steam and electric cars—to the Classics of the 1930s, the innovative Tucker of the ’40s and the jet-powered Chrysler of the ’60s. Featured displays include “The Other Motor City” where Kalamazoo-built automobiles, such as the iconic Checker Cab, are showcased, re-created car dealerships, and the world’s largest public museum dedicated solely to the Model A Ford. The all-new special exhibition, “American Legends: Hot Rods & Customs,” brings together some of the best known Hot Rods and Customs of all time. Guest Curator Dennis Lesky sought out vehicles from across the country for this magnificent display containing examples from renowned customizer George Barris, the 1941 Ford tail-dragger that inspired one of Mattel’s Hot Wheels toys, and the famous ‘Lil Deuce Coupe of Beach Boys’ fame. Whether you bring your classroom of students or your family we invite you to walk right up to history and experience over 300 extraordinary, vintage and collector vehicles and motorcycles from all eras on display at the Gilmore Car Museum located just 20 minutes north of Kalamazoo or 45 minutes south of Grand Rapids.