The question of whether there is a split between science/natural history
museums on the one hand and art/history museums on the other was raised,
with regard to the way that they support expansions.

There is, apparently, a wave of interest in expanding and creating new
science museums.  The Association of Science and Technology Centers
documents a dramatic growth in the # of existing and planned museums.  I
suspect that these museums are perceived as a good public (or corporate)
investment for a more science literate citizenry.  The same rationale is
not as widely held for art/history museums, though I'm sure the case could
(and has) been made.

Eric Siegel
Director, Planning &
Program Development
The New York Hall of Science