The Complete Story
When General Motors announced in 2010 that they would discontinue manufacturing the Pontiac automobile, Tim and Penny Dye felt the history of both the Pontiac and Oakland automobile brands should be preserved for future generations. They decided to start a museum in Pontiac, Illinois - a city that shares its name with the beloved car brand - to honor these two iconic American automobiles.
The Pontiac-Oakland Museum & Resource Center opened in 2011 as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The location in Pontiac, Illinois was fitting not just for the name, but because the city sits prominently on historic Route 66, attracting car enthusiasts and Mother Road travelers alike.
Today, the museum houses one of the world's greatest and most expansive collections of Pontiac and Oakland automobile artifacts. Visitors can admire showroom-quality pristine Pontiacs and rare Oakland collectibles, browse an extensive resource library, and learn about the engineering innovations that made these cars American classics. The museum operates entirely on donations and public support, testament to the devoted community of Pontiac automobile enthusiasts.
Surprising Facts You Didn't Know
→ The museum was founded in direct response to GM's 2010 announcement to discontinue the Pontiac brand
→ Pontiac, Illinois and Pontiac automobiles share a name but no direct corporate connection - both named after Chief Pontiac of the Ottawa tribe
→ The Oakland Motor Car Company (founded 1907) was the parent of the Pontiac brand before becoming a GM division
→ Admission is free, funded entirely by donations from devoted Pontiac enthusiasts worldwide
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit Pontiac-Oakland Automobile Museum
✓ You Can Visit Today
Address: undefined, Pontiac, IL 61764
What's There Now: Active automobile museum featuring pristine Pontiacs and rare Oakland collectibles. Free admission. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-4pm. Features showroom-quality vehicles, memorabilia, and research library.
GPS Coordinates: 40.8797342, -88.6299028
Photo Tip: Best photographed in early morning or late afternoon when the Illinois light brings out the building's character.
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