I have often found that when I (the curator) am giving a tour to a group, other museum visitors may stop to listen or even join the group, which I don't necessarily mind (though if it is something very specialized, like a class, I might mention that to them). My reservation about unathorized tours would be that the same thing might happen, and the general public in the museum joining in on the tour would misinterpret it as one of the museum's own tours.
It seems reasonable to me that a museum should have the right to avoid this kind of misperception, even if the content of the outside tour may be factually correct and uncontroversial. Also, in a crowded museum, the unauthorized tour might disturb other visitors or pose other types of logistical problems (crowd flow/ noise conflicts with the museum's own programs).
I agree with whoever posted that they allow this at their site only if the tour group contacts them in advance so that they can avoid these type of conflicts when they set the weekly schedule.
I do not mean to start any arguments with this comment, I was just surprised that over the past few days I didn't seem that anyone had put forth this viewpoint, which I would think is fairly common.
Laura L. Vookles
Chief Curator of Collections
The Hudson River Museum
914-963-4550 X220
-----Original Message-----
From: Jay Heuman [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2006 5:34 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] unauthorized tours (was still community
curators)
Greetings!
To pipe in, hopefully not repeating too much of what's transpired, I
think it's short-sighted of any site to limit outside tours rather than
work to accommodate such requests. After all, whilst each site may have
a hectic schedule and an informed agenda, outside tour providers --
whether small or large -- likely have different messages to share.
Controlling what groups are told about a historic event/site or an
artist/object surpasses the basic custodial responsibilities of museums,
galleries, historic sites, etc. So to hell with limiting outside
groups.
I have been "shushed" in several museums, galleries, historic sites,
etc. Scarily, sometimes I've been shushed when speaking with a solitary
companion . . . not necessarily addressing a larger group. But I'm
stubborn, and will challenge any museum staffer -- paid or unpaid -- to
provide the same content I will provide my companion/group. After all,
if a person or group invites an outside tour provider, it's clear they
have rejected the mandated message.
This is not a matter of ego; rather, it is a matter of respecting the
wishes of visitors. Museums collect and display objects, publish
educational materials, organize public programs on behalf of the public
. . . which carries an inherent need to respond to public wants. No,
I'm not saying if the people want Mickey Mouse, give 'em Mickey Mouse.
But if you're going to be open to the public, develop a flexible system
to allow for outside tour providers. After all, they may focus on
something unique that the museum cannot (or will not) provide. How dare
a museum prevent that? Why not embrace it, learn from it, incorporate
it in future?
[Can you tell I had an interesting experience recently? An art
exhibition with didactic signage that was truly overwhelming and
oppressive. How about providing visitors some basic chronology, some
questions to ponder, and letting them look and think for themselves?]
Best wishes, sincerely,
Jay Heuman
Curator of Education
Salt Lake Art Center
20 South West Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Phone: 801.328.4201 x 21
Fax: 801.322.4323
URL: www.slartcenter.org
Salt Lake Art Center:
Celebrating 75 Years!
1931-2006
-----Original Message-----
Dear Thomas,
I read your short message and understood it. But this topic is exactly
not what we were discussing here controversial: of course the mini
guided tours by parents, friends etc. will be allowed everywhere. The
problems are larger group tour guided by outsiders like bus travel
guides (not museum staff). This was the reason of my mail.
Yours
Christian
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