Lower attendance and budget gap prompt more cuts at the Science Museum

The Science Museum of Minnesota (SMM) announced Thursday it is eliminating jobs and cutting expenses as it works to close a $4.64 million budget gap.

The museum cited lower attendance and declining revenue for the cuts. It said it eliminated or changed 22 positions, and 10 others remain unfilled.

Museum leaders said attendance has not returned to pre-pandemic levels and noted that revenue from the museum’s touring exhibitions program has declined.

SMM reported a nearly 80% drop in federal and state funding for its science and education programs. It also said operating costs for its riverfront building continue to rise.

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Meanwhile, the announc...