Tuesday, November 6, 2012


Until recently, the American museum has been depicted as a secluded organization infatuated with salvaging historical relics; timeless items confined within their structures to collect dust. Although all museums endeavor to preserve the past in their own unique ways, technological innovations have transformed museums into inexhaustible mechanisms for information distribution. Because museums contend to enhance the interactive experience for their visitors, the classic idea of art at its finest can be literally translated as art at its smartest. Dr.Chandler Screven, a psychology professor at the University of Wisconsin, claims that the ideal environment of modern museums stimulates curiosity and offers “untapped potential for communicating social, cultural and scientific information, correcting misconceptions and improving attitudes and cognitive skills.” Unlike common educational settings, hands-on and digital exhibits allow individuals to focus on a particular type of art that arouses interest; as a result, guests of all ages remain entertained while oblivious to learning. In contrast, museums use a number of different methods to communicate their art, and art in itself comes in a variety of forms. Art can be conceptualized in any way shape or form that one pleases; it is essentially the application of ingenuity and imagination. Not only has art provided a sufficient illustration of our history, it has also helped bridge a gap between diverse social and cultural groups segregated by distance and ethnicity. Moreover, Jonathan Swift, an Irish poet, further exemplifies how museums are key components in impacting the world that surrounds them; “vision is the art of seeing what it is invisible to others.” The responsibility that museums attain requires them to secure this vision, interpret it, and disseminate the significance of art throughout society.

Museums are primarily non-profit organizations that gain support from donators and anonymous contributors. Productive modifications in the evolution of the museum have also resulted in a higher number of interested visitors. When specific attractions that museums offer appeal to vast audiences of people, the industry accumulates an increased amount of money through higher entrance fees and other services provided within the facilities. As the popularity increases, attendance grows; therefore, the museums revenue slowly starts to catch up to expenses. For example, the Musical Instrument Museum is among the valley’s most elegant attractions; consequently, luxury came with an expense. In addition to importing over 15,000 instruments from all over the world, construction costs for the project were well over $250 million dollars. Luckily supporters from all over the valley contributed donations totaling over $15 million dollars, and the amount of donations has increased with each passing year. Although profit isn’t the primary objective of a museum, it is essential to both the function and success of any establishment. For instance, Institutions such as the Arizona Science Center are free to assemble extravagant exhibitions including the new Giant Mysterious Dinosaurs exhibit that opened on October 7th. Though dinosaurs are amongst the most ancient remnants of the past, creative approaches in conveying information about these creatures have been developed to fascinate both child and adult bystanders.

Furthermore, the modern museum has made sufficient progress over the last decade and is recognized as a symbol of achievement all across our nation. Their artistry gives testimony to what people can accomplish and challenges society to pursue further advancements to secure our future. To be specific, museums in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area are ideal representations of these accomplishments. Foundations including the Arizona Science Center, Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix Art Museum and ASU Art Museum have developed respectable reputations throughout the valley, subsequently attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. However, every institution has distinct preferences as to how they will function and connect to guests. First of all, affordability is an important factor that influences groups in both family and educational settings. Museums are not usually the types of places people like to enjoy alone, so price is important to larger groups. Moreover, museums use similar tactics to attract audiences, but they usually receive more attention from certain groups because of selectivity. To illustrate, the museums located across the valley concentrate on particular types of artistry that emphasize the importance of their expertise. While the Arizona Science Center explores the foundations of biology, anatomy, and astronomical information, the Musical Instrument Museum centralizes on the cultural impact of music, its historical significance, and how modern innovations in the music industry encourages the public to get involved. On the other hand, the Phoenix Art Museum and ASU Art Museum focus on art specifically; paintings, photography, and architecture. Clearly, museums differentiate according to the areas they are most passionate about. Although they resemble each other at times, they explore genuine processes for making the museum industry productive. No matter the craft, the objective is to educate the community and demonstrate how creativity is at the forefront of progression.

View Valley Museums in a larger map

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