The Powerhouse in Sydney has a new exhibition entitled "Ageing with attitude: the private lives of museum objects". This is an exhibition that attempts to explain the debates over conservation of objects including live demonstrations by in-house conservators. Objects displayed include a Japanese Shrine and a 1905 REO motor car illustrate the museum's diverse collections and the skills required to keep the objects from falling apart. It is an attempt to go behind the scenes in the museum without the problems of running a tour of the conservation department. Just one approach enlightening the public. Geraldine Rodwell Reference Librarian Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, Australia ---------- From: daemon To: MUSEUM-L Subject: Re: Public perceptions of collections and research Date: Sunday, 17 November 1996 2:40PM Regarding Eugene W. Dillenburg's comments/questions: >Does our audience >have the "right" to know what goes on behind the scenes? A "need" to know? >A desire to know? Have other museums tackled these issues before? Has any >museum attempted this sort of self-explanation in exhibits or programs; and >if so, what were the results?