Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum — Attraction in Jefferson Township

The one star is not for the collection, which is 5 stars, but for the terrible way in which the museum was abruptly shut down without notice right after their Fathers Day event and is now scheduled to be sold off.

News broke yesterday that the collection is being auctioned off in September by Mecum Auctions. Why even go through the process of opening Mr. Klairmont's collection as a museum only to sell everything off a couple years later? This is a slap in the face to their patrons, everyone who bought a membership and to the dearly departed Larry Klairmont himself. He must be rolling in his grave right now and the auction company has the audacity to say that the auction will take place as a tribute to him.

The museum is going against their own Mission Statement, Vision for the Future and Core Values, all of which are still visible on their website:

Mission Statement: By display and preservation, Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum will educate and engage current and future generations as to the transformational role that automobiles and their creators have played throughout history.

Vision for the Future:

-To be a memorable destination for the Chicago community and for auto enthusiasts across the nation. -To offer dynamic educational experiences that inspire, enlighten, and entertain visitors of all ages. -To collect and preserve automobiles and memorabilia by Era and design, highlighting their designers and manufacturers. -To honor the memory of pioneer automobile collector Larry Klairmont and his family who so generously donated this magnificent Museum to the public trust.

Core Values of the Museum's Board and Staff:

-We are committed to upholding professional standards in the maintenance of the Museum and its collections. -We are dedicated to educating the American public­ especially our youth- about our nation’s early automotive history and its relevance to today. -We value the study and teaching of automotive history and how it affects the present and the future. -We are committed to maintaining high standards of professional and ethical museum practices and historical scholarship. -We are dedicated to the highest level of conduct in our relationships with each other and in our governance of the Museum. -We strive to be a preeminent educational and cultural resource for citizens of Chicago, the State of...

I recently visited Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum, and I must say, it was quite an impressive experience, meriting a solid 4 out of 5 stars from me.

The museum's collection of vintage and classic cars is absolutely stunning. Each vehicle is meticulously maintained, showcasing the evolution of automotive design and engineering over the years. The variety of cars on display is remarkable, ranging from early 20th-century models to more modern classics, each with its own unique history and charm. It was like walking through a timeline of automotive history.

The layout of the museum contributes significantly to the experience. The cars are well-spaced and displayed in a way that allows you to appreciate the details of each vehicle. The lighting and overall presentation are done in a manner that truly highlights the beauty of these machines.

Another aspect I appreciated was the information provided for each car. The descriptions were insightful, offering interesting anecdotes and historical context, which made the visit educational as well as enjoyable.

The staff at the museum were friendly and knowledgeable. They seemed passionate about the collection and were eager to share stories and information, which added a personal touch to the visit.

Why not a full 5 stars? Well, while the museum is fantastic for car enthusiasts, it might not hold the same appeal for those not as interested in automobiles. Also, I found that some interactive elements or multimedia displays could enhance the experience further, making it more engaging, especially for younger visitors.

In terms of accessibility, the museum was easy to navigate, which is a big plus. However, it's located a bit off the beaten path, so it might require a bit of planning for those using public transportation.

In conclusion, Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum is a hidden gem for car lovers and those interested in automotive history. The stunning collection, well-thought-out display, and knowledgeable staff make for a memorable visit. It's definitely worth checking out, especially if you have an interest in the evolution of...

I was privileged to attend a private event at the Klairmont Car Kollection. A fantastic private collection of over 300 unique and collectible cars from around the world.

The Klairmont Kollection is a Hidden Gem in Chicago.  You can get up close with over 300 one-of-a-kind and unique collectible cars. This is truly a car lovers heaven.

Some of the unique cars include a 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 with an all stainless steel body and unique gull-wing doors and a 1983 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur covered in nearly 1 million Swarovski crystals.

This collection includes One of a Kind cars like Dwight D Eisenhower's 1952 Cadillac limo.  A 1935 Studebaker model 2-a dictator Phaeton, believed to be one of the only examples of this car that exist in the United States.

Cars formerly owned by celebrities such as Shaquille O'Neal, Jackie Gleason, Mae West. As well as cars that were made specifically for movies such as; a 1935 Lincoln Model K used in the movie The Rat Race and was supposed to be Hitler's staff car, a 1935 Hudson Terraplane that was used in the movie Public Enemies and driven by Johnny Depp,

There's also a huge watch, clock, and train collection. There different display areas, some with really campy mannequins and other landmarks from the Chicago area are also represented

I can understand why Larry Klairmont, the owner of this fantastic collection, says that all of his cars are his favorite. I would have a really hard time picking one out of all the others.

The Collection is generally not open to the General Public, but they are just starting to have guided tours on Saturdays for $35 per person. If you are a car lover, a history buff, or just interested in seeing something unique and totally different, I would highly recommend a visit to the...