I just thought this today after taking my daughter to the Franklin Institute. Maybe it was the price. Maybe it was the gift shop. But mostly it was the tired exhibits. She’s 4.5 and was engaged from start to finish. For me, my awareness of what they have become (museums) are self perpetuating institutions of funding. Gift shop, food that’s over priced. Exhibits that are meant for a generation or two in the past. Today’s kids are different. They still have a place but I think we need to rethink what that can be.

Wow. I love this Christy. Thanks for your point of view and writing so earnestly. It’s a refreshing read and I particularly love the note that each museum-goers filter is so personal in terms of their interest and point of view as well as the nuances within generations that so often get stereotyped. I particularly love the story of Richmond and how the new deep dive on a story largely untold is so relevant and connects to today in ways that even month ago were likely unimaginable.

Yet, how can museums enter that conversation / be that nimble? And do they risk being accused of “taking sides” or politicizing their missions when connecting past atrocities to the modern day?

Great article.