Strata | 16 & 22 fl | Proposed

[ijmorlan]

Does anyone consider TheMuseum's current programing that of a science center? Most of the exhibits I have seen do not make me think of the facility as a science center.

Here's how they describe themselves:

We are a new kind of museum – one of ideas and experiences. No dusty objects, no collections, and no velvet ropes here. We are dedicated to presenting fresh, relevant cultural content from around the globe in unique and interactive ways that intersect art, science, culture and technology. We are a premier cultural destination and a hub for creative thinking and inspired play.

I think they should revise this to remove the implied insult to traditional museums. Do they truly believe in the positive value of what they’re doing if they can’t promote it without casting aspersions on other types of institution? There is a place for more than one kind of exhibit. Sometimes a hands-on exhibit is great. Other times, it’s good to go to a museum, see a vase and think “hmmm, that looks like a Ming vase!”, check the sign, and find out that it actually is a for-real Ming vase from 500 years ago. Also, I doubt if TheMuseum is running the kinds of research projects the ROM does. What if the ROM advertised themselves as “a proper museum, not some johnny-come-lately without a research program”?