I think a good example of how the professional museum culture has discounted
visitors is the number of architectural projects that are less than successful
due to not planning for visitor needs.  Many renovations and new projects over
the years have opened...only to revamp lobby designs and other public areas
months later because they "didn't work" in their current iteration.  As I
consult I am amazed at the number of museum projects that involve curators and
exhibits designers from the beginning and treat designing for visitors as an
after-thought; something to be discarded when budgets are tight.

Museums must realize that while they are the keepers of history, be it art or
natural history, once they decide to exhibit-they have a responsibility to the
public.

Museums like the MOV in Melbourne or the ROM in Toronto will set the trends for
future museums.  The visitor is treated as highly as smart exhibition and
intellectual discussion.  Planning with a visitor perspective in no way means
"dumbing-down" a museum.  That, to me, seems more and more like a weary
argument put forth by individuals unable to accomodate visitors in their sacred
galleries.

The Land-based entertainment industry is hard upon our heels.  They have been
discussing creating "museum-like" experiences.  They will not have
collections...at least not yet.  There is plenty of money there.  These
complexes, with IMAX theatres, eating, shopping, and exhibition will set the
benchmarks for service.  Traditional museums are not even IN that game and will
be perceived even MORE elitist and exclusionary.  I predict small art museums
in the near future will suffer greatly.  Closing their doors due to lack of
funding, their collections will be scooped up by the likes of the MET or Art
Institute of Chicago...."WE'll save the collection...."

The preservation of our history and art is the goal and mission of museums.
But to what end?  Once museums admit they do it to enrich lives in
society....they have to start thinking about how that enrichment happens.
What's the purpose?

Maybe the future will have a great repository for all the art and artifacts,
with scores of professionals that call themselves "objects persons" to make
sure the important acquisitions are cared for in a place with perfect hvac,
lighting, and security.  Then the places for the public will be perceived as
venues, creating and traveling exhibitions to enrich the lives of
humanity-paying attention to the visitors for whom they design.  THAT way the
objects people get what they want and the public people get what THEY
want...and we can stop this tired debate.

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D. Neil Bremer
Bremer Communications
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http://www.bremercommunications.com