MOMI plans axed

The £15m museum was declared open by Prince Charles in 1988 but 'temporarily' closed in 1999 for refurbishment. It was due to reopen this year but the British Film Institute has now announced that the building will house the BFI library.

"We do not intend to recreate Momi." said a spokesperson last month although the reopening promise was still on its website as the announcement was made.

Former BFI Director Anthony Smith says: "It's a great betrayal…an appalling and unacceptable decision." The film critic Barry Norman adds "There really ought to be a place in London where you can do all the things which Momi did. I spoke to lots of people in Hollywood over the years and they really liked it."

Exhibits included Marilyn Monroe's shimmering dress and Fred Astaire's suit. The early television section had Muffin the Mule.

Early film posters printed in SE1 are now in the new film museum in Turin.