Dinosaur museum will soon close to public

LARAMIE - Dinosaurs may be part of our area's distant past, but thanks to budget cuts, they won't be part of the future at a museum on the University of Wyoming campus.

Brent Breithaupt loves dinosaurs. Especially, an Allosaurus named Big Al. So it is no surprise he has worked at the University of Wyoming Geological Museum for 28 years. That will change come July 1.

"It is really a disappointment to me and to a lot of other people," said Breithaupt.

The museum is closing as the University of Wyoming is forced to cut $18.3 million or 10 percent of its budget. University administrators say they are closing the museum to protect money for their primary mission of teaching and research.

"Many of the changes we made were with the idea that we would support and preserve the faculty workforce as much as we possibly could, because after all, that is what we are in the business to do," said Jessica Lowell, University of Wyoming Director of Communications.

School leaders say the museum's collection will still be available to students, faculty and researchers. However, it will be closed to the public, meaning families like the Mosses will have to go somewhere else to see their favorite creatures from the past.

"It's a horrible shame. It's such a community center that it's a terrible loss," said visitor Kelley Moss.

Breithaupt admits he understands the tough decisions the administration has had to make. However, he just wishes there was a way to keep the museum doors open to the public.

"Maybe there is someway we can set up an endowment. Maybe there is a way we can get some additional private support, private and corporate funding to support the museum," said Breithaupt.

If he succeeds, he and Big Al will be there to greet anyone who comes in the door.

If you want to see the museum before it closes, it is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 until 3. It is free.