The Museum Wasn’t Amusing!

What’s the one thing one would think of and expect to see at a museum? “History”, I’m sure you would agree. Of course there are various types of museums, some historic, some contemporary, military, etc, but a place that features Egyptian mummies and dinosaurs isn’t focused on modern collections. After all, if we don’t see history in museums, where else should we seek it? In books? Museum is the last thing that should be modernized – or actually never modernized.

Museum needs to be captivating; it should enable visitors to visualize what’s being presented and it should create a rich experience of life and appreciation. But ROM lacks all these. It’s “rather a set of exhibition spots, occupied by unrelated collections, so hard to move around in” (quoted from online reviews)

I visited the ROM last month and it has two similarities with RAM (yes, the computer storage):

• It’s volatile, in that what you experience doesn’t stay with you. It’s easily forgettable.
• Also, it’s limited. The collection is limited, the space is limited and the experience is limited.

Could it improve? Of course, just needs some upgrades but don’t take it to the nearest computer repair shop! Read on to see what’s lacking.

There was no soul at ROM, there was no life, there was no appreciation of the past, it wasn’t engaging, there were no stories, there was no history.

Aside from the building from outside and the animals (which one would expect to see and enjoy more at the zoo), there was nothing appealing.

The solution: Be Creative, Be Unique, Be Bold! (just like the outside of the building)

Here are 3 more suggestions to make visiting the ROM more attractive and memorable:

1. In the day and age where people are able to explore 17 museums through Google Art Project and have information at their fingertips, and the 3D technology and comfort of home, museums should go an extra mile and add a personal touch to attract visitors. Use imagination, get the help of artists, sociologists, psychologists and ask people for their suggestions. Then welcome and implement them. Take vote. Post polls. Get feedback and be willing to make change. I believe this change in attitude is most important.

2. I didn’t enjoy the security guards in suits. Instead, I think it’d be much more enjoyable to see the staff at each section in traditional clothes of that culture and nation. Why not have staffs who can also inform the public about the significance of the sections? They need to be friendly, interested and enthusiastic about what they say. Also use the powers of today’s filming industry to create and display clips related to each section (at every section, played on wall, and ultimately in 3D). Give each section its own space and make it lively.

3. What’s with $3 discount for seniors and students? And what’s with $7 extra for the Water Exhibition? Glad didn’t have to pay, as I visited on Wednesday.

I sure expected more from Canada’s largest museum. Could it be the museum’s intention to undermine the significance of history, culture, roots, past, its richness, and as a result make us happy of what we have now and here? Think about it.

Btw, does anyone know what’s with the spelling on this UofT building across the street?

(click on the image for larger version)

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