London's Science Museum faces the crunch

The Science Museum has warned it may have to break up its world-famous library and close more galleries because of a £7 million shortfall in funds.

Former conservative minister Lord Waldegrave, the chairman of trustees, today said the museum was in financial crisis.

Works from the closed galleries will have to be split between the British Library and Imperial College if the Government cannot increase its grant.

From the Evening Standard. I have no idea if this is a real possibility, or just scare tactics and brinksmanship. By now the sight of museums and libraries facing budget crises has become all too familiar, along with the patterns along which the negotiations inevitably play out.

Posted by David on April 6, 2005 9:17 AM