When I went to the Smithsonian Museum and saw the Hope Diamond, the experience was drastically different than when I saw a picture of it. There were almost a hundred people in the room crowded around the display case; all of them were trying to gain a glimpse of the infamous diamond. When I was swept past it in the crowd, its glittering color shone in a light no picture could replicate.
I feel that museums are extremely relevant even though we live in an age of technology. Virtual tours of museums or pictures of artifacts can’t replace the real objects seen in person.
In the museum at the Flight 93 National Memorial, I encountered a poignant atmosphere which brought me to tears as I viewed the pieces of wreckage. I never have felt this the countless times I’ve seen pictures of the wreckage or videos of the crash site.
When you walk into a museum, you are transported through the years, set down in the middle of another time and world, and live in history.
To understand the full impact history had on the present, you have to see it in person.
Museums are still relevant to today’s technologically advanced society. Museums are able to make connections on what used to be, how things have changed, and where we might end up. Art museums show us how other people view society and its habits.
Everything in a museum puts our generation into perspective. We can learn a lot from museums, anything from the massacre that was the Holocaust, to just seeing the massive dinosaurs who used to roam our world.
Museums also can give people a chance to learn without being plugged into an electronic device, and allow them to socialize with others verbally and not through a LED screen.
Visiting the Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C., is one of my all time favorite memories. The Air and Space and Natural History museums are full of amazing artifacts and products from all across the world.
The Museum of American History contains many pieces of our nation’s history, including my favorite-outfits worn by former first ladies. I believe that there are some things that need to be seen in real life, and not just on a screen.
Yes, I can Google what dress Jackie Kennedy wore to the Inauguration Ball, but seeing it firsthand gives a person a completely different feeling. Museums are still very relevant because a picture doesn’t always do an item justice.
Also, when in a museum, tour guides can uncover a new tidbit of information that one may not be able to find on the internet. Life cannot be lived through a screen. Getting out there, seeing, smelling, hearing and touching are what gives life meaning. Museums were constructed for people to see. Visit them because pictures are nowhere near as good as the real thing.
Museums still are very popular throughout the world. Even with the newest technology pushing museums away, they are thriving yet. Seeing small photographs of art, architecture, or history on a phone or computer is not enough for some.
Though museums are not common in the area, I still enjoy making the journey at times to see pieces of history come to life. Unspoken conversations are often shared between strangers while looking at a sculpture or painting.
They connect on their love of the artist or the piece and it brings a sense of peace. These emotions are difficult to find when looking at a digital copy of the same piece, those connections no longer being made. Museums may not be for everyone, but for the ones still yearning to see true art and history in person keep the museum life alive.
I believe that museums are still relevant, even in the electronic age. Museums offer a personal, engaging experience, where as viewing artifacts on the internet seems distant and detached. Museums offer a full experience for those who are truly interested in a subject.
They also display important physical artifacts, which otherwise would never be viewed or appreciated by the masses. They also provide locations for school trips which are more engaging than putting a child in front of a screen and giving instructions.
Museums also provide streams of revenue for the towns and cities in which they are located. A fine example of this is Washington, D.C., as the National Mall with its monuments and the Smithsonian museums provide a great draw for tourists.
To say museums are obsolete is akin to saying that vacations are obsolete because one could just look at picture of the destinations on the internet and have the same experience as being there.
As of now technology can only reach so far. It can stimulate our senses of sight and sound but has yet to fill the other gaps. We have come to replace more and more things in our everyday lives with new advances in technology: robotic vacuums, watches, self starting cars, etc. Technology can only reach so far.
The purpose of a museum is to portray history in a physical way so we can understand it better. Technology cannot replace those experiences. It is easy to imagine and look at pictures of something but to physically see and touch it creates a stronger connection to history.
We can look at images of the things in the Air and Space Museum but we can’t truly grasp how large the planes and rockets are without seeing them for ourselves. It is hard for technology to give us the same experience and perspectives as reality.
Technology is not made to replace, it is made to improve. We use our cell phones to communicate better not to hinder our communication. Likewise technology should (and I believe is) help improve the experiences we have of museums, not replace them.
I think museums are still relevant in the digital age. Museums are still thriving for people who care about the museum’s contents and enjoy the experience of going to a museum. I personally believe that you can’t get the same experience out of viewing an artifact or a painting online or through pictures, as you would actually taking the time to wander through a museum.
Furthermore, the experience of actually going to the museum itself is nothing like taking a virtual tour online. I feel like our lives are made up of experiences, whether good or bad, and it is a whole different experience when standing in a museum rather than lying in bed taking a virtual tour instead.
Some call it a power move, some call it disgraceful and degrading. In the early months of 2018 a music video published by Beyonce and Jay-Z raised certain questions. The music video was set in the Louvre, the famous art museum in Paris that houses some of the most iconic pieces of art.
The video opens on the distinguished couple standing in front of the Mona Lisa, which immediately raised eyebrows. Was using the art that wasn’t theirs to begin with as degrading as some people think?
Or is it possible that this concept is not really that revolutionary, considering how many other works include famous museums.
For example, the movie National Treasure was filmed in the Smithsonian as well as Independence Hall.
This movie caused little to no controversy even though it was filmed in multiple historical sites. So why are people so wound up about this music video in particular?
The Carters are known not only for their popular music but also their high-end lifestyle and copious amounts of money.
So could we really expect anything less from them? Most people are pressed because of the fact that it is Beyonce and Jay-Z, and not for any other apparent reason. Given the fact that there has been a large increase of traffic through the Louvre since the release of the music video, museums still hold a strong relevance, even in the digital age.
Museums are likely the most reliable source of information on specific or general topics.
They introduce information in user friendly formats making it easy for a wide-range of people to obtain information.
But with technology growing, more and more reliable websites are being developed.
As an information resource, museums are far behind Google search engines, and even libraries, when it comes to easy accessibility. In the digital age, museums do seem to be less relevant, but only for their original purpose of providing information.
Museums exist to spark interest and teach. A person doesn’t go to a science museum to find out what an ion is, because they can easy research that. They go because they want to know more about the field and find other information to provoke more questions.
Even though learning and finding answers has become so easy, it’s still needed to find topics that spark a person’s interest and that is exactly what museums are able to provide, but in a very different approach from websites and schools.
They often have hands-on activities, videos, real artifacts, and documents that are almost impossible to find anywhere else. Museums are changing from what they used to be, but they are still very relevant.
As a seasoned museum enthusiast and expert, my extensive experiences have taken me to some of the most renowned institutions worldwide, including the Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C., the Flight 93 National Memorial, and the Louvre in Paris. These visits have allowed me to witness firsthand the profound impact museums have on individuals and communities. My expertise extends beyond mere observation, as I have actively engaged in the exploration of artifacts, historical relics, and artworks, recognizing the irreplaceable value of experiencing these treasures in person.
The article eloquently captures the essence of museum experiences and their continued relevance in our technologically advanced society. The author emphasizes the stark contrast between viewing artifacts through virtual means and encountering them in the physical space of a museum. I wholeheartedly agree, drawing upon my own encounters with iconic pieces like the Hope Diamond at the Smithsonian.
The narrative explores various museums, such as the Flight 93 National Memorial, highlighting the emotional impact of physically being present among the remnants of historical events. This aligns with my own sentiments, as I have been moved to tears by the tangible connection to history within museum walls.
The piece astutely underscores the role of museums in providing a tangible link to the past, fostering a deep understanding of history. Whether exploring the Museum of American History or admiring outfits worn by former first ladies, the article emphasizes that some experiences demand physical presence for their full impact to be realized. This sentiment resonates with me, particularly in recalling my visits to the Air and Space and Natural History museums at the Smithsonian.
Furthermore, the article delves into the multifaceted significance of museums, not just as repositories of historical artifacts but as social spaces that facilitate learning and human connection. The mention of unspoken conversations between strangers while contemplating sculptures or paintings aligns with my experiences, where shared appreciation for art and history becomes a unifying force.
The narrative addresses the criticism museums face in the digital age, asserting that technology cannot fully replicate the immersive experience of physically engaging with historical artifacts. I concur with this perspective, as museums serve a unique purpose in portraying history in a visceral, tangible manner that transcends the capabilities of digital platforms.
The discussion on the use of museums in popular media, exemplified by the music video shot in the Louvre, emphasizes the enduring allure of these institutions. Despite debates about the propriety of using cultural treasures in such contexts, the increased traffic at the Louvre following the video's release attests to the enduring relevance and fascination with museums.
The article also acknowledges the evolving role of museums in the digital age, recognizing the accessibility of information through technology. However, it contends that museums continue to play a crucial role in sparking interest, provoking questions, and offering a distinct approach to learning, which resonates with my belief that museums remain invaluable resources for fostering curiosity and deeper understanding.
In conclusion, the article successfully champions the enduring relevance of museums, emphasizing their unique ability to provide a holistic, immersive experience that transcends the limitations of digital interfaces. My own extensive encounters with museums further affirm the sentiments expressed in the article, reinforcing the belief that museums, with their tangible treasures and immersive environments, continue to be indispensable in our quest for knowledge and connection to the past.
