The Illinois State Museum in Springfield is once again open to visitors, after a nine-month hiatus. The formerly-free museum is now charging a $5 admission fee.

Illinois Public Radio's Jamey Dunn talks with Illinois State Museum Director Mike Wiant about the Rauner administration's decision to reopen the museum.

The Illinois State Museum has a deal to re-open, just days after Governor Bruce Rauner suggested that it start charging admission and look for private support. The Department of Natural Resources says lawmakers must grant the authority to charge entry fees so the museum can reopen within weeks instead of months.

Gov. Bruce Rauner used his amendatory veto power to block a bill to reopen the Illinois State Museum, stating that he would support reopening the museum with private funding only.

Though the museum's closed to visitors, the majority of its staff are still on the state payroll, while their union battles Rauner in court.