Some believe the primary purpose of museums is to entertain people, while others believe their purpose is to educate. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Museums

fulfil different things for different people. On the one hand, many people feel a museum’s primary

purpose

is to entertain.

However

, others feel they function to foster understanding. Both arguments will be analysed before a conclusion is declared.

Firstly

, some argue a museum’s main

purpose

is to amuse.

For example

, the Museum of Natural History in Ottawa limits descriptive placards and

instead

uses life-sized exhibits that allow visitors to

role play

Add a hyphen

role-play

show examples

historical moments.

Although

this

approach is stimulating and helps visitors better envision life at certain points in time, it does little to impart a full understanding of the broader historical themes at play.

Thus

, the merits of

this

opinion are hard to support. An alternative position argues that the primary

purpose

of

museums

is to educate. For example, the British Museum in London heavily placards its exhibits to provide its visitors with the tools needed to be informed about what is on display.

Although

perhaps not as visually stimulating, patrons leave

this

museum with a much richer understanding of historical topics and the underlying trends that were at work during certain periods of time, an approach that offers perspective on

modern day

Add a hyphen

modern-day

show examples

life and humanity as a whole.

Thus

, the heightened benefits of

museums

that focus on educating can clearly be seen. After looking at these different points of view, I feel that

museums

better serve the public when they are organised to educate as opposed to entertain.

Thus

, I hope that the

museums

of the future are arranged primarily for

this

purpose

.