Although the closure was announced with no explanation Thursday in a statement issued by S2BN Entertainment, a backer of the venture, HoF CEO Terry Stewart told Cleveland’s Plain Dealer the decision was made by corporate partners who ponied up the capitol for the $10 million dollar spin-off.

Among the items housed in the NYC location, which opened its doors in November 2008, are Bruce Springsteen’s 1957 Chevy, costumes worn by Elvis Presley and guitars that belonged to Bob Dylan and John Lennon.

One of the most recent exhibits added to the annex is “John Lennon: The New York City Years,” a collection of never-before-seen Lennon artifacts, films and photos compiled by Yoko Ono to commemorate the singer’s life in the Big Apple that opened in May.

Although fans who wish to experience the NYC annex have a limited amount of time to do so (official closing time is 8 p.m. Jan. 3), a message on the gallery’s Web site says that officials are “exploring opportunities for a tour that would bring exclusive artifacts to music fans and rock enthusiasts around the world.”