It’s Always A Sad Day When A Transportation Museum Closes: COTD (Updated)

A car, plane, train, or motorcycle museum is a great place to learn about the history of vehicles that would have otherwise been lost to time. An enthusiast can really make a museum about anything, from museums about vintage computers and toys to museums about surgery and toilets. Sadly, some museums fall after their founders pass.

Chicago’s famous Klairmont Kollections is closing its doors, about four years after its founder, Larry Klairmont, passed. The museum has technically already closed, but will open for just two more days, right before the 295 cars in the building will be auctioned off. There hasn’t been an official reason published for the museum’s closure, but this isn’t the first time a museum closed after its founder passed. Clear_prop:

I really wish the rich guys who found museums would take the time to set up an endowment so their museums don’t die when they do.

The worst example of this is Paul Allen. At least his Flying Heritage museum was sold mostly intact to a new owner, but much of the Living Computer Museum ended up in the dumpster.

Update, August 19, 2025: I have great news! The Mimms Museum of Technology and Art reached out and informed us that Clear_prop wasn’t correct, and that most of the Living Computer Museum actually ended up at the Mimms:

We wanted to let you know that this is not accurate; nearly all of the Living Computer Museum’s artifacts ended up in the care of Mimms Museum of Technology and Art. You can read the announcement from our team and the Estate of Paul G. Allen HERE.

The Mimms Museum of Technology and Art also sent me photos of the Strati, the 3D-printed car it has on display. Check it out:

We now return to COTD. Up next is Rippstik:

I love that the last photo mentions the Bricklin and completely ignores that 300SL behind it. That is the most Autopian thing I’ve ever seen…

Jason wrote about how a dual-engine Citroën that he thought he daydreamed about actually exists. Flyingstitch:

…so it’s likely this thing has by now returned to the Earth from whence it came

The Fourgonette came to its inevitable conclusion.

Matt has written a follow-up post to the story about his friend buying a Toyota Grand Highlander, where we learn more about the person. Apparently, they carry instruments in the vehicle, and they’re also a physics professor. Michael Beranek:

Hmmm, instrument cases? Are we sure this isn’t a Nissan or Renault?

Anonymous Person:

“Did I mention that he’s a professor of physics at a prestigious university?“

Counts to five in his e-mail… 1-2-2-3-4

Have a great evening, everyone!

(Topshot: Mecum Auctions)