Mullin Automotive Museum (carbuzz.com)
A Farewell Tribute to Classic French Cars and Art Deco Splendor
The Mullin Automotive Museum, a haven for classic French automotive enthusiasts, has announced its closure after a 13-year run, marking the end of an era that began in 2010. The decision to shut its doors on February 10 comes in the wake of the passing of Peter Mullin, one of the museum’s founders, in September 2023. Despite this, car aficionados still have an opportunity to bid farewell and make a final visit to the museum before the scheduled closure.
The privately-owned museum has been a treasure trove of classic French cars, featuring iconic brands such as Renault, Peugeot, and Bugatti. Nestled in an expansive 47,000 square feet of space adorned with Art Deco motifs, the exhibits also include a cart and carriage from the maker of the Bugatti Chiron, creating a unique blend of automotive history and design from a bygone era.
While the future destination of the extensive collection remains uncertain, the Mullin Automotive Museum has confirmed the donation of four significant cars to the Petersen Automotive Museum. Among these cherished vehicles are the 1937 Talbot-Lago T150 CS “Teardrop,” the 1938 Hispano Suiza H6B Dubonnet Xenia, the 1939 Delahaye 165, and the 1938 Delahaye 145. Notably, Peter Mullin played a pivotal role in transforming the Petersen Automotive Museum into a globally respected automotive institute.
Merle Mullin, director of the Mullin Automotive Museum and Peter’s wife, expressed gratitude to the staff, docents, volunteers, visitors, and supporters who dedicated their time and passion over the past 13 years. She emphasized Peter’s truest passion for sharing these “rolling sculptures” and beautiful art with others, and the museum’s role in bringing that vision to life. The limited-time opportunity to explore the Mullin Automotive Museum and bid farewell extends until the official closure on February 10, providing a chance for both past and first-time visitors to pay their respects. For those seeking automotive delights, the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California, offers a compelling alternative with its diverse displays that cater to every visitor’s enjoyment.