Announcing the Closure of the Mullin Automotive Museum
The renowned Mullin Automotive Museum, celebrated for its exceptional collection of 1930s French automobiles, will officially close on February 10. Nestled in Oxnard, California, the museum was established in 2010 by Peter Mullin and his wife Merle, and has since stood as a tribute to the Art Deco era, showcasing an extraordinary collection of vehicles and decorative arts.
Reflecting on a Rich Legacy
Founded by Peter Mullin, who passed away last year, and his wife Merle, the museum has been a haven for enthusiasts of iconic Bugattis, Delahayes, and Voisins. The collection extended beyond automobiles to include period furniture and artwork, helping educate visitors about the elegance and complexity of French design in the early twentieth century. With its impending closure, the museum concludes a vital chapter in celebrating and preserving this distinctive era of automotive history.
Future of the Collection and Museum’s Legacy
Four notable vehicles from the Mullin’s collection are set to be relocated to the Petersen Automotive Museum, ensuring that these treasures continue to be accessible to the public. However, the destination of the remaining collection remains undetermined, casting uncertainty over these valuable artifacts. The museum has been pivotal in sharing Peter Mullin’s passion for these “rolling sculptures,” and its closure signifies a considerable loss to both the local and international communities that it has served.
The Importance of Cultural Preservation
The shutdown of the Mullin Automotive Museum represents a significant cultural loss not just to the local community in Oxnard but to the entire global network of automotive and art deco aficionados. This institution played an essential role in illustrating the fusion of automotive innovation and artistic design from the Art Deco period, offering invaluable insights through its exhibits and educational initiatives. As we anticipate the museum’s closure, the necessity for sustained efforts in preserving such cultural assets becomes ever more apparent, urging the continuation of support for institutions that safeguard our artistic and historical heritage.
This transition period for the Mullin collection calls for a focused conversation on how we manage and preserve historical and artistic treasures globally. The ongoing uncertainty about the rest of the collection stresses the need for dedicated resources to ensure these artifacts remain preserved and cherished for future generations.