One of the finest attributes of any great museum is the mindset of its leaders towards preserving the impact and history of the artifacts that are entrusted to that museum. This is more than professionalism or artistic presentation. It is a constant mission to keep and preserve the past so that we can better understand the present. A great museum can open our eyes to greatness and genius, tragedy and suffering, cultures and lifestyles. It has the power to open minds and create understanding.
There are museums that specialize in history and these are certainly important; however, all museums should be considered as edifices that exhibit unique perspectives of history. If one visits the Sistine Chapel, then one becomes acquainted with the great art of Michaelangelo and the history of his revolutionary accomplishments as he painted the entire ceiling. Some of the work, such as The Creation of Adam is considered among the most famous art ever created. Or think of the experience of visiting the Louvre and contemplating the Mona Lisa. What could you learn?
Or say you had the chance to visit Rodin’s museum and study his incredible sculptures and particular genius; that would be an experience in perfection. How much easier is it to understand the evolution of art by studying the arts close up and personal. This is not just art, it is history at its finest.
All museums, whether they are The Louvre in Paris or the National Mustard Museum in Wisconsin, stand as representatives of a history that is in danger of being lost. Without the preservation of great art or historical artifacts or science and technology advances- or mustard- it can be easy to lose touch with the historic and artistic accomplishments that were the predecessors of today’s world.
Without this, it can be easy to lose our personal and present identity as artists, as scientists, and as creators.