Do restaurants and retail space within museums ruin the purity of the museum as

Question:

Do restaurants and retail space within museums ruin the purity of the museum as an exhibition space?

The modern museum is no longer just a space where art is viewed. It is becoming a space of consumption. How do you feel about museums having commercial spaces like restaurants, book stores and giftshops? Does it ruin the museum environment? Does it detract from the art?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

The gift shop is entirely appropriate. I love art, what better place to acquire a piece of art than where you've just viewed it.

As long as the restaurant is isolated from the galleries and the aroma of food does not permeate the building.

When I visit the museum with company we've found welcoming respite dining before continuing our 'journey'.

Also these institutions once free admissions are no longer. Donations are not enough to support them, so the gift shops and restaurants provide needed funds.

BTW: I'm one of those nerds who visit the museum several times a year and I go on every floor, standing in front of an interesting piece for hours on end. So yes, shops and food on site are okay by me.