Sustainable Museums. What happened to COSI Toledo?

In case you hadn't heard, COSI Toledo closed down permanently on December 31, 2007, after 10 years of operation.

I think it's a little sad and scary that one of the early "brand(ed) names" of the science center business, COSI, has taken such a drubbing in both its greatly expanded Columbus location, as well as in its now-defunct Toledo satellite.

Unfortunately, the news of museum closings, like COSI Toledo's, begs several important questions: 1) Are the traditional business models of museum operation truly sustainable? 2) Is the public really willing to support museums directly (through admissions, contributions, etc.) and/or indirectly through taxes, millages, etc.? 3) Should the IRS that grants 501 (c) 3 non-profit status for museums insist on more realistic business plans? All tough questions, which I don't claim to have the definitive answers to, but I am interested in starting a dialogue. So, what do you think?


Here's a link to some comments on the situation from some people who live in Toledo.

UPDATE: Now the folks at COSI Toledo are trying to make a go of it by offering outreach programs to local schools.

Acne Medicine Removes Pen Marks?!?!

Well here's a new one from the "Baby Toolkit" blog. Apparently, acne creams that contain benzyl peroxide, in combination with sunlight, remove ink marks from plastics without causing damage to the underlying material or painted highlights.

Of course, it sorta makes you wonder about putting the stuff on your face and walking into direct sun, though! Nevertheless, a handy tip for exhibits folks.

Vischeck: A Colorblindness Design Tool

Vischeck is a cool website that allows you to simulate (as well as correct for) colorblind vision of documents and websites.

A nice way to be aware of another segment of our audience.

Black Balloons Energy Saving Campaign

Cool/Scary YouTube video that represents CO2 emissions as black balloons.

Open Source Web Design

Need to design and implement a simple website without going HTML crazy?

The folks at Open Source Web Design have gathered a whole set of downloadable templates and links to simple web tools so you (yes, you!) can make a simple website for an exhibit or whatever you like.

Smart Mob Fixes Broken Historic Clock

An article from the Independent details the exploits of a group of Parisian professionals called the UX who snuck into an historic building called the Pantheon to repair an antique clock that had been inoperable since 1965.

Perhaps they could hire themselves out to the museums of Paris?