- Attraction: Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum
- Location: 3117 N Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
- Industry: Museum
- Website: https://klairmontkollections.com/
Picture walking into what feels like the world’s most incredible automotive traffic jam, except every single vehicle is a pristine work of art worth thousands or even millions of dollars.
Oh, and there’s a Batmobile.
Welcome to Klairmont Kollections. It’s Chicago’s automotive treasure that many don’t even know exists, despite housing one of the largest car collections in the entire Midwest.
This massive 100,000 square foot museum showcases over 300 award-winning vehicles spanning from 1909 to present day, all crammed into a converted printing facility that transforms automobile browsing into an adventure of discovery.
Unlike typical museums where you peer at cars from behind ropes, you’ll find yourself wandering through narrow aisles with pristine classics parked bumper-to-bumper around every corner.
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The Swarovski Crystal Rolls-Royce: Prepare to be absolutely dazzled by the museum’s crown jewel – a Rolls-Royce completely encrusted with a million tiny Swarovski crystals that took four people four months to glue on by hand.
This isn’t just a car; it’s a rolling piece of art that catches light from every angle.
Celebrity-Owned Beauties: You’ll spot vehicles with fascinating backstories, including a Rolls-Royce that belonged to basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal (with the front seats removed so the 7’1″ center could drive from the back seat) and an Excalibur SS Phaeton once owned by comedy legend Jackie Gleason.
One-Off Custom Creations: The museum celebrates automotive oddities like the “Two-Faced Ford” – literally two identical car fronts welded back-to-back so the driver never needs reverse. You’ll also encounter the futuristic X-2000 Vortex, a three-wheeled creation that its builder claimed could take 90-degree turns at 60 mph.
Movie Magic Vehicles: Car enthusiasts and pop culture fans alike will geek out over the museum’s collection of screen-used vehicles, including an incredibly detailed replica of the 1966 Batmobile complete with operational drogue parachutes and flame-throwing exhaust.
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Discover MoreMicro-Car Collection: One of the most charming sections features an extensive collection of microcars, including the adorable BMW Isetta and other tiny European vehicles that look like they drove straight out of a cartoon.
Golden Pierce Arrow: The museum houses a breathtaking 1918 Pierce Arrow that was once the world’s most expensive automobile, featuring extensive gold plating that makes it appear like something from a fairy tale.
Historical Rarities: You’ll discover vehicles you’ve likely never seen before, like the lightweight 1926 Hispano Suiza with a body made of leatherette, and a 1947 Tatra T87 – one of those aerodynamic marvels that looks like it belongs in a science fiction movie.
Immersive Themed Displays & Atmosphere
Route 66 Gas Station Replica: The museum features a meticulously recreated Cucamonga Service Station that transports you straight back to the golden age of American road trips.
You can actually walk through this full-sized replica and imagine the days when gas station attendants would rush out to fill your tank.
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Keep Exploring →Drive-In Theater Experience: One of the most Instagram-worthy sections recreates a 1950s drive-in theater, complete with an original vintage movie projector showing classic films while gorgeous dream cars from the era are “parked” as if watching the show.
Floor-to-Ceiling Nostalgia: Every inch of wall space showcases vintage neon signage, memorabilia, and automotive collectibles that create an immersive environment.
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the world’s most epic automotive time capsule.
Life-Sized Dioramas: The museum brings history to life with carefully curated displays featuring mannequins and period-appropriate settings that tell stories about each era of automotive history.
Two-Floor Experience: The massive space is spread across two levels, with different themed areas throughout that prevent the experience from feeling overwhelming despite the incredible number of vehicles on display.
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Pricing & Value: Adult admission runs $21.95, with discounts for children ($15) and seniors ($19.75). Family packages are available for $45.95. While it’s not the cheapest attraction in Chicago, visitors consistently rave that the sheer volume and quality of vehicles makes it exceptional value – especially compared to smaller automotive museums that charge similar prices for far fewer cars.
Free Parking Advantage: Unlike most Chicago attractions, you’ll enjoy completely free parking in their large lot that accommodates over 100 vehicles and even tour buses. This is a huge bonus that saves both money and the headache of downtown parking.
Family-Friendly Fun: Even visitors who “know absolutely nothing about cars” report being mesmerized and entertained for hours. The museum successfully appeals to both hardcore automotive enthusiasts and casual visitors, making it perfect for mixed groups.
Accessibility: The museum is fully wheelchair accessible with an elevator between floors, ensuring everyone can explore the entire collection comfortably.
Time Planning: Most visitors spend 2-4 hours exploring, though car enthusiasts often find themselves staying much longer reading the detailed information plaques that accompany each vehicle.
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Keep Exploring →Plan accordingly – there’s genuinely enough to see for an entire day if you want to absorb everything.
Hidden Location Bonus: Located in Chicago’s northwest side, it’s somewhat off the beaten tourist path, which means you’ll often have the place largely to yourself for a more intimate viewing experience.
Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum
📍 3117 N Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
