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Group Tours
Be it the primary destination or a stop along the way, a tour of the Walter P. Chrysler Museum enhances the travel itinerary for groups of all interests and sizes. Allow an hour and a half minimum to tour the Museum informally or with a guide at no extra charge.
$8 General admission
$4 Juniors (6 – 12 years)
$7 Seniors (62 and older)
$4 Tour groups of 15 or more (with advance registration)
Tour guide and motorcoach driver admission is free
No deposit required
Free on-site parking is available, with ample space for motorcoaches.
The Museum offers a smoke and barrier-free environment. Contact the Museum in advance for special group tour accessibility accommodations.
For additional information or to schedule a tour, contact the Group Tour Manager:
E-mail: grouptours@wpchryslermuseum.org
Phone: 248-944-0450 (local), 888-456-1924 (toll free, U.S. only)
Fax: 248-944-0460
Mail: One Chrysler Dr., CIMS 488-00-00
Auburn Hills, MI 48326-2778 USA
PRE-PACKAGED GROUP TOURS
The Walter P. Chrysler Museum shares its “Motor City” roots with a host of auto-related attractions across Southeast Michigan. For a closer look around The Detroit Three’s birthplace, the Museum has partnered with other nearby sites to offer several tour itineraries:
Arts, Autos & Architecture
You “Auto” Be in Southeast Michigan
Great Wheels, Great Deals
For an entertainingly nostalgic outing during the year-end holiday season, don’t miss the Walter P. Chrysler Museum’s annual Cars, Trees & Traditions exhibition.
For more on attractions throughout the Detroit area and Michigan visit:
American Bus Association
Circle Michigan
Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau
Flint Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
MotorCities National Heritage Area
Ontario Motorcoach Association
Travel Michigan
DISCLAIMER
The inclusion of links to other organizations’ Web sites on the Walter P. Chrysler Museum Foundation site does not constitute endorsement by the Walter P. Chrysler Museum Foundation of these external sites or the information, products or services featured therein. The Walter P. Chrysler Museum Foundation does not exercise editorial control over the information presented on the sites.
Arts, Autos & Architecture
Day One
• Start out your day with a tour of the GM Renaissance Center. This tour showcases Detroit’s most famous building and outlines the rich history that General Motors shares with Detroit. Stroll along the outdoor River Walk and then take a professionally-guided, complimentary tour that includes the GM Wintergarden, GM World and a glass elevator to the 72nd floor for a fantastic view of two countries. Lunch in the Ren Cen.
• Arrive at the Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit in the middle of Foxtown! Experience Detroit’s crown jewel like never before. Private group tours are available, providing a unique behind the scenes look at the magnificently restored theater. During the 45-minute walking tour, groups will be awed by the exquisite beauty and extravagant architectural design, as well as the history of the Fox Theater, which has hosted the world’s biggest stars for more than 75 years, including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Jerry Seinfeld and more. Check the Fox Theatre box office for performance dates and times.
• Next, visit the new Detroit Institute of Arts. More gallery space. More art. More fun. Enjoy works representing all cultures, hands-on art classes, special exhibitions, film, shopping, dining and more. Groups will enjoy a docent-led tour that will delight, educate and feed the soul.
• Evening doesn’t stop the fun! Enjoy dinner at Hockeytown, then take in the Garden Bowl or an event at the Fox Theater
• Go to bed, rest up for Day Two!! The Detroit CVB will suggest your hotel.
Day Two
• Arrive at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House for a fantastic tour and lunch. Everything in this 60-room mansion mirrors the tasteful design efforts of the Fords. The estate combines historic architecture, a diverse collection of fine and decorative art and breathtaking grounds with the sophisticated luxury of its day. Experience the elegance and learn the history as guides reveal the private side of Henry Ford’s only son, Edsel and his family.
• Ready for dessert? Head west to Morley Candy. A free, one-hour tour will demonstrate the fine art of candy-making and you can purchase this confection, a Detroit-area tradition for over 80 years!
• A visit to the Walter P. Chrysler Museum is the next stop on our auto portion of the tour. This museum provides a look at the man who helped shape the auto industry. The cars are beautiful – from a 1903 Rambler to modern day concepts that are unbelievably sleek and futuristic. Knowledgeable tour guides will give you an inside look at such cars as the Dodge LaFemme, designed specifically for the female population! This tour, highlighting 20th century history, is not to be missed. A movie theater and gift shop round out the offerings.
Day Three
• We’re starting our day at the The Henry Ford Estate - Fairlane, the home of Henry and Clara Ford. This national treasure is an exceptional historic site that sheds light on our history and helps explain our past. Rich with technical and architectural wonders, the 31,000-square-foot estate was the family home of Clara and Henry Ford for more than 30 years. The estate stands as a reminder of Dearborn’s part in shaping the history of the world. It is a unique landmark where one can celebrate, dine, shop and explore.
• The Automotive Hall of Fame celebrates the men and women of international automotive history who made a significant impact on the industry itself. Interactive exhibits, historic artifacts and amazing stories make for a visit that is educational and unforgettable. A student tour can be arranged, complete with hands-on fuel type and safety demonstrations combined with age-appropriate activities.
• Literally across the parking lot from the Automotive Hall of Fame is The Henry Ford. Begin the tour at the Henry Ford Museum, home of such legendary American treasures as the Lincoln chair, the Rosa Parks bus and the Kennedy presidential limousine, plus some of America’s greatest limited-engagement exhibits like 2008’s “Chocolate – The Exhibition.” Lunch is available at the Henry Ford Museum.
• Let’s now head out Ann Arbor way, home of the Maize & Blue, University of Michigan, Wolverines …. well, you get the picture! On campus, visit either the Kelsey Museum of Archeology or the Exhibit Museum of Natural History. The Exhibit Museum of Natural History offers a 45-minute planetarium show. After a Museum tour, hop aboard the bus for a quick city tour before dinner at one of Ann Arbor’s fine downtown restaurants.
For additional information or to schedule a tour, e-mail grouptours@wpchryslermuseum.org or call 248-944-0450 (local) or 888-456-1924 (toll free, U.S. only).
BACK TO TOP
You “Auto” Be in Southeast Michigan
Day One
• Visit a historic museum – an 1898 firehouse that houses a collection of antique fire trucks and other fire-fighting apparatus in Historic Depot Town located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. A few blocks away, stop at the heritage collection of vintage cars from a bygone era. Visitors will learn about the important role Ypsilanti and its pioneers played in the history of the American automobile. Stroll down the street while browsing the shops and enjoying the small town hospitality. For more info, contact the Ann Arbor Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
• After a busy day of touring, you will arrive for dinner at the Henry Ford Estate - Fair Lane, home of auto baron Henry Ford and his wife Clara. As the sun sets for the evening, you will have a wonderful meal in one of the historic rooms of the house. Following dinner, you will be led on a docent-guided tour of the home to learn about the Fords’ 30-year history in this beautiful estate.
• Overnight at the Doubletree Hotel - Dearborn. This beautiful, group-friendly hotel is located just minutes away from the Henry Ford Estate - Fair Lane and downtown Detroit.
Day Two
• Our day begins at the Automotive Hall of Fame to get us in the driving spirit. The Automotive Hall of Fame celebrates the men and women of the global automotive industry who have made a significant impact on the industry itself. Interactive exhibits, historic artifacts and amazing stories make for a visit that is educational and unforgettable.
• Spend the rest of the day at The Henry Ford, America’s Greatest History Attraction. Fasten your seatbelts as you go behind the scenes inside the largest automotive complex anywhere in the world. Discover the Rouge legacy from eyewitnesses and never before seen footage in a virtual reality theater experience. See the world’s largest living roof and visit the new factory where the Ford F-150 truck is built. Have an early dinner in Greenfield Village and afterward, tour the Henry Ford Museum for 300 years of American ingenuity and world-class treasures. Immerse yourself in the sights and sensations of America’s past.
• Head back to the Doubletree Hotel – Dearborn for the night.
Day Three
• Start the day with brunch and a visit to the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House. A stunning example of elegance and grace from a remarkable era in history, this historic estate is the ideal place to experience the lifestyle of one of America’s most prominent automotive families.
• Next, visit the Walter P. Chrysler Museum to view over 70 beautifully restored vehicles including models from the early 1900s, muscle cars of the ‘60s and ‘70s and more. Try out the interactive displays and shop for the auto enthusiast in the Museum gift shop, which is brimming with exclusive and hard-to-find items. A movie theater showing three short films rounds out this automotive offering.
• Head further north for more automotive attractions or contact the Detroit Metro CVB for other options. Going out of Michigan in a southerly direction? Contact the Holiday Inn Express – Dundee for accommodations.
For additional information or to schedule a tour, e-mail grouptours@wpchryslermuseum.org or call 248-944-0450 (local) or 888-456-1924 (toll free, U.S. only).
BACK TO TOP
Great Wheels, Great Deals
Morning
Walter P. Chrysler Museum, Auburn Hills - Group Rate: $4/person
The story of 20th Century America -- and the achievements of a remarkable man and the corporation he founded -- is told through 70+ classic, custom and antique vehicles, life-size dioramas and interactive displays. The Museum’s collection highlights Chrysler’s engineering and design firsts and more. Three continuously-running short films highlight the life and times of Walter P. Chrysler, muscle cars of the 1950s - 1970s and operations within the Chrysler Technical Center. Suitable for all ages, with special programs and pricing for students. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. Sunday.
Late-Morning and Lunch
Meadow Brook Hall, Rochester - Group Rate: $9/person (tour only) $29/person (w/lunch)
Meadow Brook Hall is the fourth largest historic house museum in the United States and is renowned for its superb craftsmanship, architectural detailing and grand scale. Built between 1926 and 1929 as the residence of Matilda Dodge Wilson (widow of auto pioneer John Dodge) and her second husband, lumber broker Alfred G. Wilson, the 110-room, 88,000-square-foot, Tudor-revival style mansion is complete with vast collections of original art and furnishings.
Afternoon
Great Lakes Crossing, Auburn Hills
Great Lakes Crossing, Michigan’s first indoor regional value-shopping center and entertainment venue, features 115 shops, restaurants and entertainment options, including manufacturer outlets, unique themed restaurants, a 1,000-seat themed food court and a 25-screen, state-of-the art theater megaplex – all situated on a single-level, easily accessible racetrack design. Mention “Deals-Wheels-Meals” at our Guest Services booth located at entry 6 and you’ll receive a shopping bag and our special Visitor Savings Pass which entitles you to deeper discounts at over 60 stores and restaurants at Great Lakes Crossing. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday. Holiday hours may vary.
For additional information or to schedule a tour, e-mail grouptours@wpchryslermuseum.org or call 248-944-0450 (local) or 888-456-1924 (toll free, U.S. only).
BACK TO TOP
Cars, Trees & Traditions
(available Thanksgiving – December)
Click here for images.
Cars, Trees & Traditions is a special exhibition featuring authentically decorated vintage trees, nostalgic ads, seasonal photos of Detroit over the decades and written narrative highlighting American holiday customs.
Cars, Trees & Traditions offers a look back at holiday celebrations from the early 1900s through the 1980s. The exhibition features 23 vignettes highlighting evergreen trees accurately decorated in holiday fashion, paired with Chrysler vehicles of the same eras. The graphics and images accompanying each tree, including a variety of historic holiday-season photos of Detroit from the archives of Wayne State University's Walter P. Reuther Library, illustrate styles, events and products of seasons past. The exhibition also features timelines of beloved toys and popular gifts as well as a collection of holiday greetings from the Chrysler Historical Archives.
New this year, Seasons of Traditions, a continuously-running video of still images featuring a heartwarming glimpse into the celebratory homes and holiday customs of Detroit-area families across the generations. Share in nostalgic memories of decorated trees, opening gifts, holiday meals, baking cookies, outdoor play and other fond traditions.
For additional information or to schedule a tour, e-mail grouptours@wpchryslermuseum.org or call 248-944-0450 (local) or 888-456-1924 (toll free, U.S. only).
BACK TO TOP
$8 General admission
$4 Juniors (6 – 12 years)
$7 Seniors (62 and older)
$4 Tour groups of 15 or more (with advance registration)
Tour guide and motorcoach driver admission is free
No deposit required
Free on-site parking is available, with ample space for motorcoaches.
The Museum offers a smoke and barrier-free environment. Contact the Museum in advance for special group tour accessibility accommodations.
For additional information or to schedule a tour, contact the Group Tour Manager:
E-mail: grouptours@wpchryslermuseum.org
Phone: 248-944-0450 (local), 888-456-1924 (toll free, U.S. only)
Fax: 248-944-0460
Mail: One Chrysler Dr., CIMS 488-00-00
Auburn Hills, MI 48326-2778 USA
PRE-PACKAGED GROUP TOURS
The Walter P. Chrysler Museum shares its “Motor City” roots with a host of auto-related attractions across Southeast Michigan. For a closer look around The Detroit Three’s birthplace, the Museum has partnered with other nearby sites to offer several tour itineraries:
Arts, Autos & Architecture
You “Auto” Be in Southeast Michigan
Great Wheels, Great Deals
For an entertainingly nostalgic outing during the year-end holiday season, don’t miss the Walter P. Chrysler Museum’s annual Cars, Trees & Traditions exhibition.
For more on attractions throughout the Detroit area and Michigan visit:
American Bus Association Circle Michigan Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau Flint Area Convention & Visitors Bureau MotorCities National Heritage Area Ontario Motorcoach Association Travel Michigan DISCLAIMER
The inclusion of links to other organizations’ Web sites on the Walter P. Chrysler Museum Foundation site does not constitute endorsement by the Walter P. Chrysler Museum Foundation of these external sites or the information, products or services featured therein. The Walter P. Chrysler Museum Foundation does not exercise editorial control over the information presented on the sites.
Arts, Autos & Architecture
Day One
• Start out your day with a tour of the GM Renaissance Center. This tour showcases Detroit’s most famous building and outlines the rich history that General Motors shares with Detroit. Stroll along the outdoor River Walk and then take a professionally-guided, complimentary tour that includes the GM Wintergarden, GM World and a glass elevator to the 72nd floor for a fantastic view of two countries. Lunch in the Ren Cen.
• Arrive at the Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit in the middle of Foxtown! Experience Detroit’s crown jewel like never before. Private group tours are available, providing a unique behind the scenes look at the magnificently restored theater. During the 45-minute walking tour, groups will be awed by the exquisite beauty and extravagant architectural design, as well as the history of the Fox Theater, which has hosted the world’s biggest stars for more than 75 years, including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Jerry Seinfeld and more. Check the Fox Theatre box office for performance dates and times.
• Next, visit the new Detroit Institute of Arts. More gallery space. More art. More fun. Enjoy works representing all cultures, hands-on art classes, special exhibitions, film, shopping, dining and more. Groups will enjoy a docent-led tour that will delight, educate and feed the soul.
• Evening doesn’t stop the fun! Enjoy dinner at Hockeytown, then take in the Garden Bowl or an event at the Fox Theater
• Go to bed, rest up for Day Two!! The Detroit CVB will suggest your hotel.
Day Two
• Arrive at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House for a fantastic tour and lunch. Everything in this 60-room mansion mirrors the tasteful design efforts of the Fords. The estate combines historic architecture, a diverse collection of fine and decorative art and breathtaking grounds with the sophisticated luxury of its day. Experience the elegance and learn the history as guides reveal the private side of Henry Ford’s only son, Edsel and his family.
• Ready for dessert? Head west to Morley Candy. A free, one-hour tour will demonstrate the fine art of candy-making and you can purchase this confection, a Detroit-area tradition for over 80 years!
• A visit to the Walter P. Chrysler Museum is the next stop on our auto portion of the tour. This museum provides a look at the man who helped shape the auto industry. The cars are beautiful – from a 1903 Rambler to modern day concepts that are unbelievably sleek and futuristic. Knowledgeable tour guides will give you an inside look at such cars as the Dodge LaFemme, designed specifically for the female population! This tour, highlighting 20th century history, is not to be missed. A movie theater and gift shop round out the offerings.
Day Three
• We’re starting our day at the The Henry Ford Estate - Fairlane, the home of Henry and Clara Ford. This national treasure is an exceptional historic site that sheds light on our history and helps explain our past. Rich with technical and architectural wonders, the 31,000-square-foot estate was the family home of Clara and Henry Ford for more than 30 years. The estate stands as a reminder of Dearborn’s part in shaping the history of the world. It is a unique landmark where one can celebrate, dine, shop and explore.
• The Automotive Hall of Fame celebrates the men and women of international automotive history who made a significant impact on the industry itself. Interactive exhibits, historic artifacts and amazing stories make for a visit that is educational and unforgettable. A student tour can be arranged, complete with hands-on fuel type and safety demonstrations combined with age-appropriate activities.
• Literally across the parking lot from the Automotive Hall of Fame is The Henry Ford. Begin the tour at the Henry Ford Museum, home of such legendary American treasures as the Lincoln chair, the Rosa Parks bus and the Kennedy presidential limousine, plus some of America’s greatest limited-engagement exhibits like 2008’s “Chocolate – The Exhibition.” Lunch is available at the Henry Ford Museum.
• Let’s now head out Ann Arbor way, home of the Maize & Blue, University of Michigan, Wolverines …. well, you get the picture! On campus, visit either the Kelsey Museum of Archeology or the Exhibit Museum of Natural History. The Exhibit Museum of Natural History offers a 45-minute planetarium show. After a Museum tour, hop aboard the bus for a quick city tour before dinner at one of Ann Arbor’s fine downtown restaurants.
For additional information or to schedule a tour, e-mail grouptours@wpchryslermuseum.org or call 248-944-0450 (local) or 888-456-1924 (toll free, U.S. only).
BACK TO TOP
You “Auto” Be in Southeast Michigan
Day One
• Visit a historic museum – an 1898 firehouse that houses a collection of antique fire trucks and other fire-fighting apparatus in Historic Depot Town located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. A few blocks away, stop at the heritage collection of vintage cars from a bygone era. Visitors will learn about the important role Ypsilanti and its pioneers played in the history of the American automobile. Stroll down the street while browsing the shops and enjoying the small town hospitality. For more info, contact the Ann Arbor Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
• After a busy day of touring, you will arrive for dinner at the Henry Ford Estate - Fair Lane, home of auto baron Henry Ford and his wife Clara. As the sun sets for the evening, you will have a wonderful meal in one of the historic rooms of the house. Following dinner, you will be led on a docent-guided tour of the home to learn about the Fords’ 30-year history in this beautiful estate.
• Overnight at the Doubletree Hotel - Dearborn. This beautiful, group-friendly hotel is located just minutes away from the Henry Ford Estate - Fair Lane and downtown Detroit.
Day Two
• Our day begins at the Automotive Hall of Fame to get us in the driving spirit. The Automotive Hall of Fame celebrates the men and women of the global automotive industry who have made a significant impact on the industry itself. Interactive exhibits, historic artifacts and amazing stories make for a visit that is educational and unforgettable.
• Spend the rest of the day at The Henry Ford, America’s Greatest History Attraction. Fasten your seatbelts as you go behind the scenes inside the largest automotive complex anywhere in the world. Discover the Rouge legacy from eyewitnesses and never before seen footage in a virtual reality theater experience. See the world’s largest living roof and visit the new factory where the Ford F-150 truck is built. Have an early dinner in Greenfield Village and afterward, tour the Henry Ford Museum for 300 years of American ingenuity and world-class treasures. Immerse yourself in the sights and sensations of America’s past.
• Head back to the Doubletree Hotel – Dearborn for the night.
Day Three
• Start the day with brunch and a visit to the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House. A stunning example of elegance and grace from a remarkable era in history, this historic estate is the ideal place to experience the lifestyle of one of America’s most prominent automotive families.
• Next, visit the Walter P. Chrysler Museum to view over 70 beautifully restored vehicles including models from the early 1900s, muscle cars of the ‘60s and ‘70s and more. Try out the interactive displays and shop for the auto enthusiast in the Museum gift shop, which is brimming with exclusive and hard-to-find items. A movie theater showing three short films rounds out this automotive offering.
• Head further north for more automotive attractions or contact the Detroit Metro CVB for other options. Going out of Michigan in a southerly direction? Contact the Holiday Inn Express – Dundee for accommodations.
For additional information or to schedule a tour, e-mail grouptours@wpchryslermuseum.org or call 248-944-0450 (local) or 888-456-1924 (toll free, U.S. only).
BACK TO TOP
Great Wheels, Great Deals
Morning
Walter P. Chrysler Museum, Auburn Hills - Group Rate: $4/person
The story of 20th Century America -- and the achievements of a remarkable man and the corporation he founded -- is told through 70+ classic, custom and antique vehicles, life-size dioramas and interactive displays. The Museum’s collection highlights Chrysler’s engineering and design firsts and more. Three continuously-running short films highlight the life and times of Walter P. Chrysler, muscle cars of the 1950s - 1970s and operations within the Chrysler Technical Center. Suitable for all ages, with special programs and pricing for students. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. Sunday.
Late-Morning and Lunch
Meadow Brook Hall, Rochester - Group Rate: $9/person (tour only) $29/person (w/lunch)
Meadow Brook Hall is the fourth largest historic house museum in the United States and is renowned for its superb craftsmanship, architectural detailing and grand scale. Built between 1926 and 1929 as the residence of Matilda Dodge Wilson (widow of auto pioneer John Dodge) and her second husband, lumber broker Alfred G. Wilson, the 110-room, 88,000-square-foot, Tudor-revival style mansion is complete with vast collections of original art and furnishings.
Afternoon
Great Lakes Crossing, Auburn Hills
Great Lakes Crossing, Michigan’s first indoor regional value-shopping center and entertainment venue, features 115 shops, restaurants and entertainment options, including manufacturer outlets, unique themed restaurants, a 1,000-seat themed food court and a 25-screen, state-of-the art theater megaplex – all situated on a single-level, easily accessible racetrack design. Mention “Deals-Wheels-Meals” at our Guest Services booth located at entry 6 and you’ll receive a shopping bag and our special Visitor Savings Pass which entitles you to deeper discounts at over 60 stores and restaurants at Great Lakes Crossing. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday. Holiday hours may vary.
For additional information or to schedule a tour, e-mail grouptours@wpchryslermuseum.org or call 248-944-0450 (local) or 888-456-1924 (toll free, U.S. only).
BACK TO TOP
Cars, Trees & Traditions
(available Thanksgiving – December)
Click here for images.
Cars, Trees & Traditions is a special exhibition featuring authentically decorated vintage trees, nostalgic ads, seasonal photos of Detroit over the decades and written narrative highlighting American holiday customs.
Cars, Trees & Traditions offers a look back at holiday celebrations from the early 1900s through the 1980s. The exhibition features 23 vignettes highlighting evergreen trees accurately decorated in holiday fashion, paired with Chrysler vehicles of the same eras. The graphics and images accompanying each tree, including a variety of historic holiday-season photos of Detroit from the archives of Wayne State University's Walter P. Reuther Library, illustrate styles, events and products of seasons past. The exhibition also features timelines of beloved toys and popular gifts as well as a collection of holiday greetings from the Chrysler Historical Archives.
New this year, Seasons of Traditions, a continuously-running video of still images featuring a heartwarming glimpse into the celebratory homes and holiday customs of Detroit-area families across the generations. Share in nostalgic memories of decorated trees, opening gifts, holiday meals, baking cookies, outdoor play and other fond traditions.
For additional information or to schedule a tour, e-mail grouptours@wpchryslermuseum.org or call 248-944-0450 (local) or 888-456-1924 (toll free, U.S. only).
BACK TO TOP
