I agree that museums should be categorized and sectioned based on the time frame, exhibit, etc. because it gives the viewer a more focused and concise message. Artifacts are like words in the sense that they can be taken out if context if there is no background information. By collecting other artifacts or objects from the same timeframe it gives a clearer understanding of the time frame, and acts as a supporting cast. It also gives the viewer the opportunity to relate and really imagine what it was like to live in an ancient civilization. Creating departments also separates different time frames and civilizations creating different a different outlook from those viewing. The reason I think this is important is because if everything was grouped together people would not see each civilization as individuals. Its not fair for Ancient African culture to be viewed the same as Ancient Greek culture and vice versa. Objects and their support system (other objects) are important to museums. Conn talks about how each object contributes to a “larger body of knowledge” Without this larger body of knowledge I don’t think anyone could accurately understand the object.
The MET fifth avenue has a separate website that contains its map. This map is interactive and consists of different sections of the museum. As you zoom into the map the map becomes more detailed with specific room numbers and exhibit spaces. Each designed section that you click on is accompanied by a picture of the area and an excerpt discussing what the section includes. I was really surprised to find out that the website is updated to include special exhibits and have a detailed description about the history of the exhibit and what visitors can expect to see. Each floor is expressed on the map and viewable by clicking on what floor you want to see. The museum even has routes that are highlighted in red for the visitor to take in order to get in the whole museum experience. There is also a separate map on the website that shows where the location of the museum is located in New York City.
Your first paragraph seems to be in support of a cultural relativistic approach to display. Understanding objects within their cultural context is definitely important; however, in can also be problematic, as often times this involves a level of synecdoche, where one or a few objects end up representing a culture and a history as a whole.
The MET map sounds great and a great use of technology in the museum setting. I’d like to hear more about how you see it connecting with the ideas you mentioned in your first paragraph.