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Francois Castaing Resigns as Chairman of Detroit Science Center

Courtesy Detroit Science Center

The Detroit Free Press reports on the latest departure from the Detroit Science Center, which closed indefinitely last year:

“Francois Castaing, chairman of the board of the Detroit Science Center since 1998 and widely identified with its renaissance during the 2000s, resigned from the institution Wednesday.

“His departure follows that of former president Kevin Prihod, who left in August in the wake of $1.6 million in losses at the museum since 2009 and $5.8 million in combined real estate and bank debt on which it has defaulted.

“The Science Center has been closed since Sept. 26 with nearly all its staff laid off. Saying the closing was temporary, leaders have been seeking $5 million in emergency funding they say is necessary to sustain operations for a year and allow the institution to pay down some of its debt.”

The Detroit Children’s Museum, established in 1917, has ceased operations as well.  In 2010, the Science Center replaced Detroit Public Schools as the operator of the Children’s Museum and the closure of the smaller institution is a result of the Science Center’s current financial situation.  The Detroit News reports:

The Children’s Museum, however, had limited federal funding that allowed it to remain open through December. Science Center board member Shelly Otenbaker confirmed in an email exchange today it closed just before New Year’s, and that the Museum, like the Science Center, will remain closed until officials can raise the requisite money to reopen.”

Detroit Free Press story HERE 
The Detroit News story HERE

Joe Kleiman
Joe Kleimanhttp://wwww.themedreality.com
Raised in San Diego on theme parks, zoos, and IMAX films, InPark's Senior Correspondent Joe Kleiman would expand his childhood loves into two decades as a projectionist and theater director within the giant screen industry. In addition to his work in commercial and museum operations, Joe has volunteered his time to animal husbandry at leading facilities in California and Texas and has played a leading management role for a number of performing arts companies. Joe previously served as News Editor and has remained a contributing author to InPark Magazine since 2011. HIs writing has also appeared in Sound & Communications, LF Examiner, Jim Hill Media, The Planetarian, Behind the Thrills, and MiceChat His blog, ThemedReality.com takes an unconventional look at the attractions industry. Follow on twitter @ThemesRenewed Joe lives in Sacramento, California with his wife, dog, and a ghost.

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