What is the purpose of museums?

tjj Jun 18, 2013 09:31:59

The Museum Association has recently undertaken some research into the perceived purpose of museums and what 'the public' expects from museums. Might be a topic for discussion here ... leading onto which museum has made the most impact on us and why.

http://www.museumsassociation.org/news/04062013-sector-responds-to-public-attitude-research-findings

CARL Jun 18, 2013 14:17:09

Replying to tjj

Museums must be a place which is enjoyable to visit.
If it's not an enjoyable experience people won't go.
If they don't go they won't learn.
(Which of course is what museums are really for)

I visit museums a couple of times per year.
In fact the Mold Cape is coming to Cardiff soon so I am looking forward to seeing that.
The children like seeing the dinosaur section, Karen likes to see the wildlife section while I liked the archaeology - before they closed it!

In saying all that my favourite museum is the outdoor one at St Fagans

tjj Jun 29, 2013 22:30:06

Replying to tjj

(Posted by the Vale and Downland Museum on FB ...)

Here's something straight from the old jokes home:

Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson were visiting the Vale and Downland museum and they decided to go upstairs to look at the geological specimens. Dr Watson noticed a particularly fine rock without a label. "What type of rock is this?" he asked. Holmes replied:"Sedimentary my dear Watson".