BEHAVIOUR IN THE MUSEUM

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 36, 11 August 1936, Page 8

BEHAVIOUR IN THE MUSEUM

While the popularity of ihc new National Museum and Art Gallery lias been revealed by the large attendances since the opening, the rush of visitors has its drawbacks. One of these is illustrated in a letter in "The Post" on Saturday in which '"G.H.W." declares that "something should be done at once to protect the exhibits, especially the paintings, against the attacks of children and adults." The correspondent reports instances which he saw himself within the space of five ,'or six minutes, including adults "poking their fingers into that fine painting of Wellington wharves" and schoolboys knocking over and smashing a piece of sculpture. It is clear that some members of the public are not yet "museum-minded," but must treat exhibits-as marvels to be touched as well as seen, presumably to satisfy a naive curiosity as to whether they are real or not. Nobody wishes to discourage popular interest in the Museum and Arf Gallery, but there are possibilities of serious damage to the contents if the privileges of visitors are abused. There is no suggestion of vandalism in''the conduct reported; it is probably just thoughtless ignorance. Our correspondent's suggestion that children and scholars should be taught ■ how to use the Museum is a good one. There is certainly a proper code of behaviour in such places as museums and art galleries, and a few lessons in the schools would soon have the desired effect, on impressionable minds. Some years ago there were so many cases of vandalism in the public parks that it became necessary to put up notices." "Citizens, protect your own property." The lesson was learned and the public can now be trusted to respect the amenities provided for it. Some such interim measures may be required for the Museum until similar respect becomes a universal habit.