The Museum of Life and Science in Durham is requesting an additional $2 million from Durham County Commissioners due to rising construction costs creating a multimillion-dollar funding gap. This request was made during a county meeting and is scheduled for discussion on October 12.
The funding is needed to complete projects tied to a $13.9 million bond package that voters approved in 2022. Inflation and tariffs have increased construction, material, labor, and exhibit costs significantly since then, resulting in an estimated $3.5 million gap despite some project adjustments.
The proposed funds would facilitate the continuation of construction contracts for a new restaurant while the museum seeks private donations to cover remaining costs. So far, nearly $1 million has been raised through a campaign, with plans for another fundraiser aiming to collect an additional $1 million.
If approved, the budget for the Museum Program and Event Infrastructure Capital Project would rise to $7.85 million, contributing to a larger $18.5 million campus transformation effort supported by various funding sources.
