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What are the purposes of places such as museums and how should they be
funded?
A museum is a place where a collection of objects illustrating science,
art, history, or other subjects is kept and displayed. Therefore, the purpose of
museums is, to my mind, twofold: to collect and preserve the results of human
achievement and evidence of the natural world and to use these collections to
enhance human knowledge and understanding.
A museum needs to acquire new objects to add to its collection. Many are
gifts from people who collect such items as paintings, precious stones, or
sculpture. Other gifts include items that have been kept in a family for many
generations. Sometimes a museum buys an item needed to fill a gap in one of its
collections. Museum conservators clean, preserve, or restore objects before they
are exhibited.
Many museums have an education department that gives lectures and classes
on the museum’s collection. Most museums offer guided tours and other programs
for children and adults. For example, science and technology museums have
pioneered experimental methods of teaching and “hands-on” exhibits. Children’s
museums also emphasize learning by touching and doing. Other activities provided
by museums include art festivals, concerts, and hobby workshops.
The funding of the museum operations, as far as I know, can be
multi-channel. These sources may include foundations and corporations, national
and local governments, and individuals as well. A museum may also earn money to
fund itself by charging admission fees, or selling gifts relating to their
exhibits, or by selling less desirable items from their collections. (250
words) |
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发表于 2016-7-10 15:19:50