on 4/9/02 1:33 PM, Thomas D. Meier at [log in to unmask] wrote:

> Dear listmembers
>
> I wonder if there has ever been a discussion on the list about the critical
> size of museums in terms of exhibition space. What is the numer of square feet
> or square feet generally considered to be necessary to attract a considerable
> number of visitors not only from the vicinity of the museum but also from
> other towns, cities and even from abroad?
>
> I know of course that the importance and value of a museum does by no means
> depend on sheer size. But it helps to convince people that it might be worth
> the trip. Having some accurate information on the subject might also convince
> managements and boards of museums being situated in the same neighbourhood to
> strengthen cooperation with eachother...
>
> Thanks for any information on the subject.
>
> Yours
>
> Thomas D. Meier
> Museum of Communication
> Bern, Switzerland
> [log in to unmask]
>
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Critical size must also be considered in relation to location.  A very small
historic museum which stands alone in an important historic location may
attract a lot of visitors, but the same size institution would be lost in a
metropolis and would attract scant attention.

An interesting piece of information related to this is the travelling
"Treasures of ..." independent travelling shows organized by James Broughton
over the last 18(?) years, which included a major Rhamses show.  These shows
did far better in terms of visitor numbers when positioned in mid-sized
cities than when they showed in huge cities like New York.

Jane Bedno

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