Detroit Science Center extends shutdown

In an effort to overcome financial problems, the Detroit Science Center announced Tuesday it would remain closed 2 more weeks.

The Detroit Children's Museum in the building, however, will reopen Wednesday, October 12.

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The center and the Detroit's Children's Museum closed Sept. 26 for budget problems.

It had originally said the closure was temporary and the center would reopen on Oct. 12.

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.


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