WILSONVILLE, OR – World of Speed USA is one of the coolest automotive-themed museums in America and is a go to stop for any West Coast gearhead. It has been closed since March 16th due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but after Oregon’s ridiculous three-phase plan to reopen business and the economy, the end has come. After learning the museum could be closed into 2021 under the plan, the museum decided to shut down.
“t is never easy to say goodbye and it’s especially hard in a time like this. With heavy hearts, we are announcing the permanent closure of World of Speed. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and current public health guidelines, reopening the museum to the public during the next several months was deemed unlikely, so we must close our doors for good. We are forever grateful to our dedicated employees, volunteers, donors, members, visitors and the broader Wilsonville community. You all helped make World of Speed a success during our incredible five-year run,” the company said.
The following is a release from World of Speed USA:
It is with heavy hearts we announce the permanent closure of World of Speed Motorsport Museum. The museum has been temporarily closed to the public since March 16, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the Oregon Health Authority’s current guidelines, the museum would fall into Phase Two or Phase Three of the state’s reopening plan, potentially pushing reopening into 2021.
Many of our guests, volunteers, students and docents fall into the category of most vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus, which means efforts to keep everyone safe could push reopening further, even after OHA restrictions are lifted. After much deliberation, our board determined it would be unable to maintain the facility during such an extended closure.
World of Speed’s assets and funds will be distributed to 501(c)(3) museums and schools throughout the next three to eight months, as required by Oregon law. This will allow the museum’s collection of historic race cars, boats and motorcycles to live on for future generations to enjoy.
World of Speed Motorsport Museum had an incredible five-year run in Wilsonville. It served as a place for enthusiasts from all ages and all walks of life to come together and share their mutual love of all things motorsport. Opened by Dave and Sally Bany in 2015, World of Speed featured world-class exhibits that told the story of America’s motorsports culture. Over the years, the museum hosted several motorsport legends, including Mario Andretti, Janet Guthrie and Herm Petersen.
Perhaps the museum’s greatest accomplishment was the opportunity it provided high school students to learn the skills needed to work in the automotive industry. What a thrill it was to see these students grow and move onto fulfilling careers after graduation.
We are forever grateful to our dedicated employees, volunteers, donors, members and visitors who helped make World of Speed such a success during the past five years. It was an incredible run.
