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Science Center To Open For Detroit's Noel Night; Permanent Plans On Horizon

DETROIT (WWJ) - Good news for fans of the Science Center in Detroit, which closed 14 months ago: It's getting ready to re-open.

Spokesman Fred Huebener said families will be able to go back inside the Science Center during Noel Night this Saturday in downtown Detroit's cultural district. Then, sometime next week, organizers are expected to formally announce the permanent re-opening of the museum, under the new moniker Michigan Science Center.

"It's a great opportunity for the public to come on down and visit what is just an amazing hands-on science museum, and kind of get a sneak peek because obviously we're working toward getting the building open permanently," Huebener told WWJ's Roberta Jasina.

"But, this is a great opportunity for people to come down and not only see the building, but have some amazing family friendly entertainment on an amazing night here in Midtown where there's going to be just tens of thousands of people coming down for all of Detroit's great institutions," he continued.

Organizers told reporters back in September they achieved a number of significant milestones in bringing the museum back to life, including commitments and donations of more than $2.5 million of its $5 million goal. In months following, several other foundations and personal donors came forward with checks to increase those funds.

Huebener said the generosity of donors has been outstanding, and it's a great thing for everyone in the metro Detroit area.

"Museums, cultural institutions like this, they make Detroit a better place to live, they raise the quality of life. And I think all of us who have the opportunity to be involved in the museum world here in metro Detroit have a deep connection to wanting to make this a better place to live for our families and for all the families around us. This is a jewel for the metropolitan Detroit community and everybody has the same goal in mind: to get the building open as soon as possible," he said

And while organizers prepare for the grand reopening, the museum is looking to hire new employees.

"We need educators and presenters and other things of that nature, as we get people trained on programming and everything, which takes a lot of time to get everybody up to speed, but yes, we are looking to hire people right now," Huebener said.

For more information on employment opportunities and to keep up with the museum's progress, visit www.michigansciencecenter.net.

The Detroit Science Center closed in September 2011 after its board decided an ongoing deficit had created a financial crisis that couldn't be fixed without halting operations.

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