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Synthesis Essay Museums

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In our modern world, we often neglect the cultural importance of art. Large collections of traditional artifacts are present in museums across the world, but the number of annual visitors shrinks every decade. Because of the decreasing demand of live works of art, those who manage museums must choose every exhibit and display case wisely to ensure maximum appeal to the general public. Important decisions regarding museum structure change museums every few years, similar to how “Peale’s Museum . . . grew from a small sampling of curiosities . . . to a large and impressive collection of scientifically classified specimens in the 1820s” (Source B). In order to consistently modify museums, the management must consider what pieces of …show more content…

Because of this, it is important that those responsible for the selection of artworks to not only consider the historical value of each exhibit, but also the possible revenue. It is important to avoid a “lack of consensus about the composition of . . . permanent collection and the direction [the] collecting should take in the future” (Source A). Without careful consideration, “financial woes [will be] exacerbated by a poor management structure, a result of a decentralized system” (Source A). However, the subject of money also brings criticism; some believe that financial gain is an “unlawful and immoral spoliation of art” (Source F) and “[a] work is chosen for reproduction, not because of its place within an educational context, or because of its intrinsic aesthetic worth, but because of its marketability” (Source D). While this is a valid thought, we must remember that if a work of art was not culturally and aesthetically appealing, it would fail to bring in funding anyway as its popularity would decrease. The biggest “money-making” displays are successful because they are appreciated by such a large audience, thus “achiev[ing] the proper balance whereby the educational goals maintain their ascendancy and the profits grow” (D). If a museum was truly run by greed and a desire for financial success, the public would lose interest in the lack of historical context and the museum would ultimately become bankrupt regardless of how “financially adequate” the works of art are. Because of this harmonious balance, museum representatives must carefully select works of art that attract enough visitors to shovel in profit and consistent funding for such historical and artistic

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