"Museums"- a New Definition

As I have embarked on this mission of creating a more than entertaining blog for my readers, I have come to realize my narrow definition of a “museum.”

The Encyclopedia Britanica defines a “museum” as, an “institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the primary tangible evidence of humankind and the environment.” Therefore, a museum does not need to meet the traditional requirements that we set for them. They do not need to be set in fancy buildings, they don’t have to require people to pay an admissions fee, and they don’t need to house famous artwork from all over the world.

In my research I came a across a very interesting project in California. “Curating the City” is something of a live museum. According to its website, it “is a new educational program from the Los Angeles Conservancy that treats the city as a living museum, offering a fresh look at L.A.’s architectural and cultural heritage.” Through their project they communicate the importance of preservation- of architecture and diverse cultural heritage. Joseph Heathcott claims, “preservation is not merely an objective technique for fixing urban historical narratives and meanings in place; it is a major feature of urban history in its own right.”

What does this have to do with technology and multimedia?

It’s funny you ask. Besides “Curating the City”, being an incredible city development project, the website they created is amazing. They have a feature called, Explore the BLVD, and it is a virtual tour of the boulevard. You click on the map and information relating to the location and building opens up. From there, you can explore more and view more pictures of the building’s current condition and past condition.

Go visit their website. It is truly a great example of how multimedia enables viewers to experience something great without having to have ever been there.

“In Washington, the first thing people tell you is what their job is. In Los Angeles you learn their star sign. In Houston you're told how rich they are. And in New York they tell you what their rent is.” By Simon Hoggart