University museums are unlike other museums. They are not intended to be powerhouse displays of masterworks, though some have their share of these. They are, before all else, teaching instruments intended for hands-on use by students and scholars. As such, they often house objects that are considered of second- and third-tier value at auction but that fill out a deep and detailed account of cultural history.
Feb 21st, 2009 at 8:18 am
Patrick
Thanks for blogging this, Marya! As you might know, I’m associated with Michigan State University’s Museum and I passed this along to its director, who had missed seeing it via the New York Times.