University Museum to close temporarily

June 08, 2017

University Museum to close temporarily

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Due to the ongoing state budget impasse, the museum at Southern Illinois University Carbondale will close temporarily effective July 1.

University officials plan to resume operations once a permanent state budget provides enough support to hire the staff necessary to reopen it, according to Interim Chancellor Brad Colwell. 

Meanwhile, the museum’s collections will be maintained. 

“This decision is driven by ongoing budget reductions that have caused us to reduce the size of the staff to one individual who will maintain the collections,” he said. “Unfortunately, we are unable to move forward to hire a new director and maintain the additional staff necessary to keep the museum open, rotate exhibits and provide the quality museum experience that visitors expect.” 

Colwell added that university remains committed to the future of the museum. 

“The museum is a valuable asset to the university and our community,” he said.