Mullin Automotive Museum to Close in February

It was announced today that In light of the passing of Peter Mullin in September 2023, the Mullin Automotive Museum has announced it will close its doors on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024.
 
Peter and Merle Mullin founded the Oxnard-based museum in 2010 to educate guests about 20th-century French automotive styling and design by showcasing the finest vehicles, sculptures and artifacts from the most-esteemed French master coachbuilders. The museum boasts nearly 47,000 square feet of exhibit space in an elegantly designed structure, which was previously owned by legendary newspaper publisher Otis Chandler. In addition to its sweeping gallery spaces, the museum includes a roof garden, theater, gift shop and archival storage. 

Peter was inspired by Art Deco design and was equally passionate about sharing it with the public. To continue that legacy, four of the collection’s most iconic vehicles have been donated to the Petersen Automotive Museum. The 1937 Talbot-Lago T150 CS “Teardrop,” the 1938 Hispano Suiza H6B Dubonnet Xenia, the 1939 Delahaye 165 and the 1938 Delahaye 145 will now become part of the Petersen Automotive Museum, which Peter helped transform into the globally respected automotive institution it is today as part of a major overhaul a decade ago.

Peter acquired a vast array of Citroëns and created the “Citroën: The Man, The Marque, The Mystique” exhibit at the Mullin Automotive Museum that ran from March 11th, 2017 through the spring of 2018.

 “Sharing these ‘rolling sculptures’ and beautiful art with others was Peter’s truest passion, and the museum helped bring that vision to life,” said Merle Mullin, director of the Mullin Automotive Museum. “We are deeply indebted to our staff, docents, volunteers, visitors and supporters who have dedicated their time and passion over the past 13 years. I hope past and first-time visitors will have a chance to say goodbye before we close.”

The museum will be open on a limited basis through Saturday, Feb. 10. Please visit mullinautomotivemuseum.com for opening dates and hours.

It has not been announced what will become of the balance of automobiles and art housed in the museum. They could quite possibly be auctioned at Pebble Beach in August of this year.

About the Mullin Automotive Museum
The Mullin Automotive Museum is located at 1421 Emerson Avenue, Oxnard, California 93033, in the building formerly occupied by the Otis Chandler Vintage Museum of Transportation and Wildlife.

Update — Jan. 21, 2024: Gooding & Company will be presenting at least 6 Citroëns from the Peter Mullin Collection at their upcoming Amelia Island Auction on March 1. In addition to the 20 lots being auctioned from the estate, they will also hold a standalone auction at the Mullin Automotive Museum this April featuring an additional assortment of vehicle and automobilia lots. Additional details on the forthcoming auction will be announced in coming weeks.