Economic Downturn Halts Expansion of National Museum

The re-opening of the National Museum of American History's new building last summer was met with much fanfare, enthusiasm and a block party on Pennsylvania Ave with speeches from Nancy Pelosi and John G. Roberts Jr. Visitors poured in and attendance was strong despite a $20 admission fee.

Unfortunately, the continued downturn in the economy has caused a 25% shrink in the museum's endowment (about $150 million) and the buyout of 20 employees and 10 staff with the annual budget also to drop by 10%.
Though the expansion is 98% complete, a significant drop off in visitors hasn't allowed for the generation of the anticipated funds to complete the building. As of the last week of December, only about 300,000 visitors had come to the museum since its opening in early April which was not expected to happen to a museum located on Pennsylvania Ave. Of optimum concern now is the ability of the museum to be able to generate enough money to cover all annual operating costs (about $8-10 million). The hope is that the gift shop and cafe will help to generate much of this. The director, Brent D. Glass expressed concern that people will come to spend less and less as the economy continues to tighten and the museum facing an economic crisis after spending $85 million on a two year renovation by SOM.

For more information, check www.nytimes.com/2008/12/21/arts/design/21pogr.html?_r=1&ref=design