To David,

The use of technology is important for blockbuster exhibits that are of a
historical or ethnographic nature.  You cannot define all museum exhibits in
terms of just art exhibits.   The use of cutting edge or new technologies adds
to the cachet as does the expense factor.   It gives these exhibits a somewhat
sensational aspect.  "Blockbusters" have more of the attraction rather than
the academic orientation
of museum exhibits.

Small exhibits may be very important in terms of their audience impact.  What
separates "blockbusters" is that they are intended to attract large audiences.
And yes,  some "blockbusters" do "bomb" and do not attract the intended number
of visitors -- e.g., "Versailles" this past summer in Jackson, MS, and a
touring Russian exhibit that "bombed" in Cobb County (north of Atlanta)
although the artifacts were exceptional and the display was not bad.

pamela sezgin