The Michigan Science Center in Detroit is still officially closed, but it plans to take part once again in Noel Night as an anchor of the city's Midtown neighborhood.

On its Facebook page Monday, the institution formerly known as the Detroit Science Center said Noel Night will give people the opportunity to get a "sneak peek" before it officially reopens.

But the center, which says it is still raising the funds to reopen, hasn't yet said when it plans to do so permanently.

The science center closed in September 2011 for financial reasons.

Though it was officially closed, the center reopened last fall, too, thanks to a modest grant of undisclosed amount from the event's organizer, Midtown Detroit. That funding enabled the science center to bring back 18 furloughed employees for the one-night event last fall.

As mentioned here last week, the science center is hiring staff, a sign that its reopening isn't far off.

Noel Night, scheduled for Dec. 1, will feature open houses at more than 60 venues in Midtown between Cass and John R and Kirby and Willis.

Among those opening their doors to the public that night are the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detroit Historical Museum and the Detroit Public Library.

There also will be horse-drawn carriage rides, shopping, crafts, performances by more than 120 local music, theater and dance groups, and shuttle service between venues, all free.

The science center will be open 5-9 p.m. on Noel Night, offering access to hands-on exhibits, entertainment and other special activities.

More information on the event is posted here.