Vic: Visitor downturn leaves Museum Victoria at a loss

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Vic: Visitor downturn leaves Museum Victoria at a loss

One of Melbourne's cultural icons, Museum Victoria, is facing a $6 million shortfallas a result of a plunge in visitor numbers.

The museum has asked the state government for an extra $1.5 million in the forthcoming budget.

But Premier STEVE BRACKS says the government can't afford to splurge on the museumand it will have to make do with its usual budget allocation.

Museum chief executive PATRICK GREENE says a cost-cutting drive is now under way.

Museum Victoria operates the Scienceworks and the Immigration and Melbourne museum sites.

AAP RTV bja/gfr/wjf/gjr/rp

KEYWORD: MUSEUM (MELBOURNE)