But in his introduction to that study, Gray wrote that because of those projected losses -- in the neighborhood of $2 million yearly -- "we do not believe it is economically feasible to operate the site exclusively as a museum."
Even with activities so curtailed at the site now, Autry and Southwest officials don't like to say the museum is closing. They point out that the gift shop and some public areas will be open and free from noon to 5 p.m. on weekends, with displays but no artifacts. The research library is still in business, by appointment, and tours of the conservation effort will be offered.
At one point Friday, Gray started to suggest that the museum had never achieved vitality as an exhibition space. Then, cooling his language, he offered this instead: "The museum hasn't operated as museums are expected to operate in today's world."
So far, workers have moved 2,200 textiles, 450 paintings, 300 pieces of jewelry and about 500 Katsina and other dolls to Griffith Park -- those were the items most threatened by mildew, mold and bugs, museum officials say. The workers have also moved out 8,000 of the 12,500 artifacts in the Southwest's tower, placing them elsewhere at the Mt. Washington site.
"Nothing has been cleaned for 75 years," lamented Linda Strauss, senior director of collections. "We're very fortunate that more things weren't damaged."
The Southwest, founded in 1907, has stood at its bluff-top site since 1914. In the fiscal year that ended May 31, 2003, tax filings show, the museum trimmed its spending to a skeletal $1.4 million, yet brought in donations, bookstore sales and admission fees of less than half that.
"It's like your grandmother's tea set. It sits there and gathers dust. But you love it," said Jacques.
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Southwest Museum of the American Indian
Where: 234 Museum Drive, Los Angeles
When: Tuesday through Friday, the museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., adult admission $7.50. Beginning Saturday, most exhibition areas will close to the public and no artifacts will be on display. However, some displays in public areas and the museum store will be open noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, free of charge. The museum's Braun Research Library will remain open by appointment.
Contact: (323) 221-2164; www.autrynationalcenter.org
Public input forum documents are available at www.autrynationalcenter.org/downloadsHRC_Public_Input_Form.doc.
