A museum dedicated to the history of Philadelphia is closing its doors to the public, and it is unclear when — or whether — it will open them again.

The Philadelphia History Museum has been struggling to increase revenue for years. City officials were in talks with Temple University to form a partnership that might keep the institution afloat. But this week, they learned that the university had abruptly pulled out of the partnership discussions, leaving the museum’s future uncertain.

Michael DiBerardinis, the city’s managing director, said he learned about the university’s decision from news reports. “I’m still wondering what happened,” he said. “I still don’t have clarity.”

As of next week, normal public visiting hours will no longer be in effect. That closing is expected to last for at least six months, and it could be indefinite. In the meantime, the museum will hold on to its collection and city officials will try to chart a new way forward, Mr. DiBerardinis said.