APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Atlas Science Center in Appleton is closing.
Museum leaders made the announcement Friday. They cited rising operational costs.
The building in Appleton’s industrial flats, formerly Kimberly-Clark’s Atlas paper mill, will be sold.
The museum opened as the Paper Discovery Center in 2005, focusing on teaching about the papermaking industry. Its goal was to promote learning, discovery and scientific exploration. It was rebranded the Atlas Science Center in 2022.
“Several years ago, we embarked on a journey to rebrand, revitalize our board of directors and redefine our strategic vision,” board chair Lance Alft said in a news release. “Despite the overwhelmingly positive responses from our community and stakeholders, these efforts were not enough to secure the financial foundation necessary for us to continue forward. We take pride in the impact we’ve made and hope the spirit of science and learning we fostered will continue to inspire others in new ways.”
The release did not indicate what will become of the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame, which is housed at the Atlas Science Center.
Museum officials say they have made an agreement with the Building for Kids and other community organizations to preserve and transfer the Atlas Science Center’s assets and continue its mission.
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