After closing in October, the Illinois State Museum may reopen in just a few weeks if changes to how the museum is funded are approved by lawmakers.
In an effort to decrease the museum’s reliance on tax funds, Gov. Bruce Rauner proposed increasing admission fees and private fundraising to sustain operations.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Wayne Rosenthal, announced on Feb. 8 that with the General Assembly’s approval of the Governor’s proposals they will be ready to increase fundraising efforts and implement fees immediately.
The timeline to reopen the museum’s doors is dependent on how quickly legislators can pass the Governor’s proposed changes. But, DNR Director Rosenthal does warn that if lawmakers reject changes that it could take more time for the museum to reopen.