When most of us think about museums, I think we picture old buildings that are full of old things. Permanency comes to mind- we put things in museums to preserve them, right? However, museums aren’t necessarily as permanent as we think. There is a museum out there for everyone, and finding “your” museum is the best feeling. This is a bit of thinking out loud (or thinking on screen?) today on the state of museums. And of course, why you should visit museums while you can now!
If you are following the An Historian About Town Facebook page, you may have seen the post I shared later last week. Unfortunately, the Fashion Museum in Bath will have to find a new home. They have been leasing their space in the Assembly Rooms from the National Trust, and the Trust has ended their lease early. They have been in that particular location since 1963, close to 60 years. And they don’t have to pack up tomorrow or anything, but they only have four years to find another location. Museum-useful spaces aren’t that common, so I suspect it may take some time. The collection may end up being divided and put in storage if a suitable space can’t be found. While it isn’t like it will be burned or anything, it does mean that it will be even harder for the public (and scholars) to enjoy those pieces and use them for research. The founder, Doris Langley Moore, cultivated an amazing collection, and it is heartbreaking to think that it may no longer be enjoyed.
I am quite disappointed in the National Trust with this move. From what I’ve read, it is develop a museum about life in Georgian Bath. There already is a museum on life in Georgian Bath (No. 1 Royal Crescent, a post will be up over the summer!), so it isn’t exactly filling a hole. And aside from No. 1 Royal Crescent, you can find Georgian Bath preserved and presented all over the city. The Fashion Museum serves a small but passionate community of fashion historians and scholars, not to mention the public. The Assembly Rooms also won’t be free to visit, as they are now. I am quite sure that the National Trust had their reasons, but if the Fashion Museum can’t find a new home, there will be immeasurable loss.
I am incredibly grateful that I was able to visit the Fashion Museum when I did, and to enjoy the collection in its Georgian home. The Museum has done incredible work, like the Dress of the Year scheme that celebrates the most notable piece(s) of the year, and the Royal Women exhibition. What has become even clearer to me, though? That you shouldn’t put off visiting museums with the thought they will always be there!
Why You Should Visit Museums
Are They Permanent?
No, I don’t think that the Victoria and Albert Museum is going anywhere- most major museums own their physical space. There are a lot of smaller museums that lease or borrow, though, and those museums are just as worthwhile. Being that I live in the middle Canada, I am physically far from most museums I want to visit- I understand it isn’t always as easy as popping down the road. However, don’t keep putting off visiting a museum because “you can always go later”. In the last year, we have seen more than one notable case of natural destruction of a historic site. And that doesn’t account for “routine” changes like leases not being renewed or conservation work. Don’t take them for granted, it is very possible it won’t be there. (And no, collections aren’t just destroyed. They typically do go into storage, where most people will never see it.)
Do They Have Targets?
Like everyone else, most museums have targets. Some will have monetary targets, but most will have a visitor target. The Fashion Museum, as an example, aims to have at least 100,000 visitors a year. I can only image how many million of visitors the V&A targets… In any case, they have to make certain numbers. And that usually is connected to government funding and grants that museums receive- it isn’t just for kicks. So, you taking a few hours to visit that museum can actually make quite a difference when it comes to their funding. And if you enjoy your visit, tell people about it. No, you don’t have to write a full blog post or anything, but tell friends that you think would enjoy. Comment on their social media letting them know that you enjoyed it. Post a review on Trip Advisor or on Google. You sharing your thoughts could very well bring more needed visitors!
Have They Created Exhibitions?
Occasionally very small museums won’t have actual exhibitions. However, 98% of them will. And their curators, staff, researchers, sub-contractors, and volunteers probably put hours and hours of work into creating that display. Gathering the necessary information, designing and staging the exhibition, creating any materials that accompany it. These things all take an incredible amount of work and skill to create them, and they were created to be seen. No one wants to put all of their time and talent into making someone that no one will see. Go and appreciate their work! And leave feedback if you enjoyed what you see- I’ve always received effusive praise from curators when I’ve sent feedback. Museums are often under-funded; they do as much as they possibly can to stretch their budgets. Support the work that they do for us visitors!
What was the last museum that you visited? Why do you think you should visit museums?
Cheers,
The Historian
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I adored this post. Yes, visiting museums is an incredibly important thing to do.
Aww, thank you!!