Detroit Science Center and Detroit Children's Museum will remain shut to the public until 12 October after being forced to temporarily close due to "financial hardship".

The attractions both closed to the public on 26 September in a bid to "hold down expenses, conserve operating cash [and] re-examine our operations".

A new strategic plan will also be developed by the sites during the temporary closure as part of efforts to ensure that both remain viable on a long-term basis.

Bosses said a number of schemes announced in 2008-09, which included a new 4D theatre and the construction of new exhibits for the museum, had led to a "financial strain".

A decline in philanthropic contributions and poor attendances for the Accidental Mummies exhibitions in 2010 have also been blamed for the situation.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: "Museum management has been working hard

to continue operations, however it was not feasible to remain open under our current financial constraints."

Details: www.sciencedetroit.org

Image: Andrew Jameson