Several years ago, the Amarand Hammer Museum did the
same thing for an exibit on Catherine the Great of
Russia.
Personally, I really did not feel the need for it, but
found it interesting to listen to a short history of
who did what with whom, and how the displayed objects
related to her reign.
I found it amusing that the tape was narrated by Roger
Moore.
It was cute and entertaining. Needed by some, I am
sure.

--- Alan Heaberlin <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> I recently attended the Van Gogh exhibit at the
> Los Angeles County Museum of Art. They were
> offering an audio device which you entered the
> number of an exhibit into the keypad and it gave a
> (sometimes lengthy) spiel about the painting. The
> device was rented for $5.00 each.
> I personally did not use one since I felt it would
> be distracting from the enjoyment of the visual
> experience of seeing the Masters work up close. My
> companion was so emotionally overwhelmed by some
> of the paintings that she cried.
> I saw some other people who were similarly
> affected by Vincent's work during the 2 hours I
> was in the gallery, but I did not see anyone
> wearing headphones who were affected in the same
> manner, and I was observing for reactions of the
> viewers.
> This may not be a valid test of the usefulness of
> the devices for every exhibit but I feel it may be
> a distraction in some cases.
> Alan Heaberlin
>

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