This HAS become an interesting discussion, hasn't it?

We are focusing on kids' short attention spans and the unpredictability of
their interests, and I would like to suggest that Paula Poundstone's humor
reminds us that age does not automatically incorporate patience,
self-discipline, or any other qualities we seem to depend on in the museum
world.

I once heard that the average amount of time spent in front of a work of art
in a museum is 8 seconds.  8 seconds!  Maybe it's longer, but how much can
one get from a 10-second or 20-second perusal of a painting or sculpture?

Kids have a pretty good time when allowed to follow their own interests
(which is not to say, acting on their impulses).  My advice to parent-types
was always "Take your kids to museums from the time that you both get home
from the delivery room.  As soon as the kids are able to demonstrate likes
and dislikes, let them direct the tour.  As soon as their behavior and
interest disintegrates, knock off the visit, but stop by the cafe (or
failing that some other place beyond the museum) for a treat.  Many, many
short visits are way better than one or two short visits."

Why don't we think more agressively about the comfort and cognitive
development of adults?  I mean, in particular, why don't we think about ways
to slow the whole process dow?  I remember the art historian Linda Nochlin
at a College Art Association conference
bemoaning the physical discomforts (i.e. lack of seating and labels with
tiny print posted in unreadable places) of most art museums.  Ain't it the
truth!  I've always felt (until the Phillips was rehung recently) that the
main reason that Renoir's Luncheon of the Boating Party was such a popular,
well-loved and famous work of art was that it was hung in a pleasant little
room opposite a comfortable wingchair...

Ellen Cutler



----- Original Message -----
From: Maggie Harrer <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2000 11:04 AM
Subject: Re: What our visitors REALLY think of us...


> I'm really enjoying this discussion, as in my other life I am a producer
and
> director of theater, dance and opera.  I've always maintained that kids
are
> the best audiences as they are the most honest.  If they are bored, they
> don't pretend to be enjoying it.  I've always had my daughter from the age
of
> 21/2 on, at final dress rehearsals and even earlier.  She is a terrific
> audience and as soon as she begins to squirm, I know we are missing
> something.  Museums are like theaters, you need to direct the eye,
challenge
> the mind and capture the heart, if you miss any of those bases you are
going
> to lose your audience.  Reallly good exhibits capture kids too.  Best, M
>
> =========================================================
> Important Subscriber Information:
>
> The Museum-L FAQ file is located at
http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed
information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message
to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help"
(without the quotes).
>
> If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to
[log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff
Museum-L" (without the quotes).

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).