Q+A: Do Objects Matter?

Q:
Digital can make anything! VR can take visitors inside ancient temples! Why do we even need real objects anymore?

A:
Digital is powerful, but it can't replicate the authenticity of a real artifact. They physically connect us to people and moments in the past. That’s a feeling that digital can't replace.

Q:
Visitors don’t know the difference between real stuff and fakes! Why not just use reproductions and save money?

A:
Visitors can sense it, even if they can't explain it. Authentic objects carry a true physical story — wear, damage, craftsmanship — that replicas can’t. Real things foster trust in the institution.

Q:
Visitors want interactive entertainment, not old stuff! Isn't your artifact obsession outdated?

A:
Visitors aren’t one-dimensional. Good exhibitions weave interactive technology with real artifacts to make an great story. Visitors want meaningful, modern experiences. Authentic objects ground them in reality. It’s both entertaining and authentic.

Q:
Digital collections are more accessible! People can click from anywhere! Why insist on real stuff?

A:
Digital access is vital, but it doesn’t replace the physical. Museums are more than content delivery systems. They are about community, discovery, and shared memory. Real objects are central to that.

Here’s the thing:
They’re not the only thing. But objects still matter.

Warmly,
Jonathan

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MtM Word of the Day:
Color Rendering Index (CRI). A measure of the ability of an artificial light source to make an object's colors look like they should. A CRI of 90-100 is great (think high-end art museum). A CRI below 70 isn't (think factory).