D. Neil Bremer writes:
>The concept of a redefinition of the term "museum" is an important one
>to consider.  Disney, whether or not you feel they represent the
>antichrist of museums, markets their Club Disney (for children and
>fammilies) alternately as a children's museum or a science center,
>depending on the research data on potential audiences. Disney may not be
>preserving truth and history - but society has begun to accept this
>definition of "museum", and will continue to do so in growing numbers.
>
>We can beat them at their own game with real collections and
>intellectual content, or we can stand by our horses, damning the first
>wave of cars coming down the road.

I agree, absolutely.  And for a thread that has yielded many "issues" but
not many "tools," as was originally requested, I would again offer VRML
(virtual reality modeling language) as one of the most important tools with
which museums will compete and raise the standard of content over
info-tainment theme parks.

What was once a matter of linear wall labels and "text panels" that
explained the context of a displayed object, will in the future become
whole VR worlds that educate, elaborate, and surround the spectator with
layers of knowledge.  There are great stories and drama embedded in the
real objects of a museum's collection that will make Disneyworld seem
boring by comparison, if museums are willing to find the tools and
imagination to reveal them.




Stephen Nowlin
Vice President
Director, Williamson Gallery
Producer, Art Center Online
Art Center College of Design
http://www.artcenter.edu/exhibits/williamson.html
http://www.artcenter.edu