DETROIT – In an effort to overcome financial problems, the Detroit Science Center announced Wednesday it would remain closed.
Citing budget problems, the center closed Sept. 26. It had originally said the closure was temporary and the center would reopen on Oct. 26. But in a statement, the center said its continuing to meet with "long-term corporate, foundation and individual partners to share the recovery plan, explore funding and review the necessary steps to move forward."
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The center said the shutdown was necessary to re-examine its operations and come up with a plan to produce the working capital needed to keep it functioning.
A statement from the Science Center explaining the financial hardship reads:
In 2008-2009 the Detroit Science Center launched ambitious plans to build two national traveling exhibitions, expand the building to include a public charter middle school, launch its DSC Design & Exhibits subsidiary, open a new 4-D theater and build fresh new exhibits for the museum.These initiatives put a financial strain on the museum, which was compounded by a worsening economy and decline in philanthropic giving. The museum incurred further losses in 2010 when its Accidental Mummies exhibitions did not meet attendance and revenue expectations. Museum management has been working hard to continue operations/
In August, the Science Center's CEO and president resigned abruptly. John Miller, a longtime vice chairman of the Detroit Science Center Board of Trustees is now serving as interim president and CEO.
While the science remains closed, the Detroit Children's Museum is open for visitors Wednesday through Saturday.