Because a museum doesn't have a collection doesn't mean it is "showy" or
empty in its message.  I suggest you take a trip to New York and visit The New
Museum or The Sksycraper Museum.  Both borrow works from other places; they
create very meaningful exhibits with what they borrow.
    Also, because a museum has a collection doesn't mean that it isn't
"showy." Take a look at the butterfly exhibit at the National History Museum
in New York City.  That is rather "showy".
    Most museum's that don't collect make that choice because it is expensive
and time consuming to make the purchases and process the gifts. Also, it is
costly to care for a collection, and people are reluctant to give money for
object care (it isn't "sexy" enough).   Why devote all your resources to a
collection when you can borrow from someone else?  It's a much more frugal
option, and much easier to fund.  Wouldn't it be better to spend your money on
developing and mounting exhibitions rather than caring for two million
objects, most of which never see the light of day?
    Michael Radice, The Union Institute

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