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Question:

How have museums changed?

How has the museum become a contemporary space? What makes it contemporary?


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Consider the Smithsonian (actually a collection of museums) the older museums such as American History, Art, Air and Space are wonderful showrooms of artifacts. Behind glass you can see Lincoln's hat, all the First Ladies gowns, and Monet's or Rembrandt??s work. The newest museum added to the Smithsonian collection is the Holocaust Museum. Although there is a portion of artifact in cases, they also try to make it an interactive experience. When you arrive you get a booklet telling you about a person's experience in Europe during the war. As you visit the museum you will see the effect of the war through their eyes. It is very powerful.

Or consider Zoo's (Yes, actually zoo's are considered museums by the American Museum Associations). They have been evolving from having animals in sad cement cages to large open spaces that reflect animals' natural environments.

I believe today's museum are moving away from being the quiet library type of institution to the experiential institutions they should be. Museums have become more of an inter-disciplinary venue. You can listen to music at the art museum, or take a dance class at the history museum.

Remember a museum is really defined as an institution that collects, researches, displays, educates and conserves artifacts, or theories (think Children's Museums and Historical Landmarks). This basic philosophy has never changed.

Did you see the movie "Curious George"? They deal with this question during the movie.
I hope that answers your question