Do restaurants and retail space within museums ruin the purity of the museum as an exhibition space?

Question

The modern museum is no longer just a space where art is viewed. It is becoming a space of consumption. How do you feel about museums having commercial spaces like restaurants, book stores and giftshops? Does it ruin the museum environment? Does it detract from the art?

Answer 1

The gift shop is entirely appropriate. I love art, what better place to acquire a piece of art than where you've just viewed it.

As long as the restaurant is isolated from the galleries and the aroma of food does not permeate the building.

When I visit the museum with company we've found welcoming respite dining before continuing our 'journey'.

Also these institutions once free admissions are no longer. Donations are not enough to support them, so the gift shops and restaurants provide needed funds.

BTW: I'm one of those nerds who visit the museum several times a year and I go on every floor, standing in front of an interesting piece for hours on end. So yes, shops and food on site are okay by me.

Answer 2

Of course not! :-) When I go to to one of those places it usually doesn't feel like a "complete experience" unless I have something to take home to remember the visit. If you are there more than 4 hours you have to eat, why have to leave and come back? And I feel really strongly about reading, so book stores ADD to the experience.

And sometimes they can do some really clever things. For example, if you use the restroom at the American history museum at the Smithsonian you get to see pictures of how restrooms have looked throughout different times in the U.S.!!!!!

Answer 3

Nah! You gotta eat! Art can be food too(not hot dogs and such) I think it's cool if you like a painting you can go to the gift shop and buy it on a card or poster. I see what you mean though, you must be a purist.