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0 pointsdylan6048mo ago0 comments

> If we can't see it why are we keeping it?

Does one get any better sense of something from seeing the original something vs a replica of the something? Does looking at the "original" copy of the constitution under all that glass do anything different than a replica under all of that glass? Would seeing the actual David statue impart any more anything than seeing a replica of it? If you say yes, why do you think any of that is the actual thing and not a replica? Just because they say so?

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bluGill8mo ago

Those are all things we can see. I'm asking about the many things that are forever locked in a backroom and you won't be allowed to see it.

mopenstein8mo ago

I agree. If it only exists so that a select few can actually experience, it might as well not exist at all.

And don't kid yourself, those keepers and creators get full access as well as anyone they deem worthy enough. The rest of us will never be granted that access.

If it's privately funded, good. It affects me nil. But if they take public funds and lock up history or nature just so it can remain pristine for the wealthy or elite to enjoy, then I don't want to have to pay for it. Not that I have a choice in the matter either way.

josephg8mo ago

I don’t know about museums near you, but most museums I’ve been to internationally are free to enter and to see most of their exhibits. They’ll often have much more in their collections than what’s on display, but they’re absolutely still a public good.

We also have a responsibility to preserve stuff from the past for future generations. As our ancestors have done for us.

dylan604OP8mo ago

Interesting idea of free museums. I can't think of one museum I've ever been to that did not require purchasing a ticket. Granted, in my limited travels abroad, it has been for work with no time for that kind of thing, so my experience is solely with museums in the US.

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bluGill8mo ago

Most museums in the US charge admission, but have free days once in a while. Often every Tuesday or some such. I've also seen free days that go with local community events.

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bluGill8mo ago

Those are all things we can see. I'm asking about the many things that are forever locked in a backroom and you won't be allowed to see it.

mopenstein8mo ago

I agree. If it only exists so that a select few can actually experience, it might as well not exist at all.

And don't kid yourself, those keepers and creators get full access as well as anyone they deem worthy enough. The rest of us will never be granted that access.

josephg8mo ago

We also have a responsibility to preserve stuff from the past for future generations. As our ancestors have done for us.

dylan604OP8mo ago

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bluGill8mo ago

Most museums in the US charge admission, but have free days once in a while. Often every Tuesday or some such. I've also seen free days that go with local community events.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse