I'd say not.  A research museum/collection would not have public
programs and displays.  Museums like the MCZ (abbreviated to protect the
innocent) justify their substandard exhibits by claiming to be a research
museum.  They put up the displays as an after thought, a token bone
thrown to the public and then hide behind the moniker research museum
when the public wants better/updated exhibits.

On Mon, 5 Feb 1996, Adrienne DeArmas wrote:

> In a message dated 96-02-01 17:16:13 EST, [log in to unmask]
> (Christopher Whittle) writes:
>
> >Excepting, of course, those museums that consider themselves strictly
> >research museums ( I bet you can't name one).
>
> National Museum of Natural History, SI?
>
> - Adrienne
>