Open Forum

I'm not a museum professional, but have enjoyed museums as long as I can remember and continue to enjoy and support museums on many different topics. However, I have a major gripe with the way almost all museums are managed these days. Each one seems to find it mandatory to install displays with voice-overs, taped explanations or other aural distractions. Add to that the penchant for creating mini-movie-theaters that are not separated from the rest of the museum environment, and a babel of sounds and noises assaults the museum-goer from every direction.

For those of us who want to focus on other exhibits and actually read (imagine that) the in-depth and often fascinating written commentary that most exhibits have, these noisy nearby exhibits are a real problem. It is hard to concentrate on an intelligently-written signboard when the adjacent exhibit is running, for example, an endless tape-loop with fife and drums, explosions and a dramatized reenactment of a battle. Has the need to cater to the lowest common denominator of visitor (casual browser, doesn't want to read anything) trumped all sensibility when it comes to creating a studious environment? What ever happened to "Quite please!".

I'm interested in whether I'm just a crank on this matter or whether others also think that this proliferation of auditory irritation needs to be much better controlled.
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David Fessel
Rockville MD
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Hi Mr. Fessel,

I definitely agree that there are times when the cacophony of sounds can be distracting. With that being said, the prevalence of materials, including or instead of, traditional exhibit texts is to serve the multiple ways that visitors learn and interpret information (different learning styles is an overall trend in museum education). A lot of times, the auditory contents are to compliment the overall exhibit, break up the traditional text, and offer another way for visitors to receive the content.

Hope that helps!

Sincerely,

Ashley S. 

-------------------------------------------
Ashley Scotto
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2015 01:54 PM
From: David Fessel
Subject: Noisy Museums

I'm not a museum professional, but have enjoyed museums as long as I can remember and continue to enjoy and support museums on many different topics. However, I have a major gripe with the way almost all museums are managed these days. Each one seems to find it mandatory to install displays with voice-overs, taped explanations or other aural distractions. Add to that the penchant for creating mini-movie-theaters that are not separated from the rest of the museum environment, and a babel of sounds and noises assaults the museum-goer from every direction.

For those of us who want to focus on other exhibits and actually read (imagine that) the in-depth and often fascinating written commentary that most exhibits have, these noisy nearby exhibits are a real problem. It is hard to concentrate on an intelligently-written signboard when the adjacent exhibit is running, for example, an endless tape-loop with fife and drums, explosions and a dramatized reenactment of a battle. Has the need to cater to the lowest common denominator of visitor (casual browser, doesn't want to read anything) trumped all sensibility when it comes to creating a studious environment? What ever happened to "Quite please!".

I'm interested in whether I'm just a crank on this matter or whether others also think that this proliferation of auditory irritation needs to be much better controlled.
-------------------------------------------
David Fessel
Rockville MD
-------------------------------------------

Maybe what we need are "quiet times" in museums . . . regularly schedule times when all the AV is off and any extra necessary information is provided in a handout.  It's something to think about.

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Susan Day
Education and Communications Consultant
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-14-2015 10:28 AM
From: Ashley Scotto
Subject: Noisy Museums

Hi Mr. Fessel,

I definitely agree that there are times when the cacophony of sounds can be distracting. With that being said, the prevalence of materials, including or instead of, traditional exhibit texts is to serve the multiple ways that visitors learn and interpret information (different learning styles is an overall trend in museum education). A lot of times, the auditory contents are to compliment the overall exhibit, break up the traditional text, and offer another way for visitors to receive the content.

Hope that helps!

Sincerely,

Ashley S. 

-------------------------------------------
Ashley Scotto
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2015 01:54 PM
From: David Fessel
Subject: Noisy Museums

I'm not a museum professional, but have enjoyed museums as long as I can remember and continue to enjoy and support museums on many different topics. However, I have a major gripe with the way almost all museums are managed these days. Each one seems to find it mandatory to install displays with voice-overs, taped explanations or other aural distractions. Add to that the penchant for creating mini-movie-theaters that are not separated from the rest of the museum environment, and a babel of sounds and noises assaults the museum-goer from every direction.

For those of us who want to focus on other exhibits and actually read (imagine that) the in-depth and often fascinating written commentary that most exhibits have, these noisy nearby exhibits are a real problem. It is hard to concentrate on an intelligently-written signboard when the adjacent exhibit is running, for example, an endless tape-loop with fife and drums, explosions and a dramatized reenactment of a battle. Has the need to cater to the lowest common denominator of visitor (casual browser, doesn't want to read anything) trumped all sensibility when it comes to creating a studious environment? What ever happened to "Quite please!".

I'm interested in whether I'm just a crank on this matter or whether others also think that this proliferation of auditory irritation needs to be much better controlled.
-------------------------------------------
David Fessel
Rockville MD
-------------------------------------------

Interesting comment, David.

I don't have that much trouble with the noise - but I go nuts trying to read all that interesting commentary when it is printed in, say, light gray on only slightly darker gray walls. 

And, amazingly often, when it is printed so small that one has to stick one's nose into the wall and take off one's glasses to read it!  Like 12 point type on a label next to a painting, which is incredibly common. 

I enjoy reading the text on the walls - but I want to be able to read it EASILY, with strong contrast in the coloring, good light (or if the light has to be dim to protect the artworks, colors chosen for maximum legibility), and large enough to read from far enough away that I'm not blocking anyone else from reading it at the same time!

Just my two cents!  ;-)


-------------------------------------------
Joy Hecht PhD
St. John's A1C 4H7
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2015 01:54 PM
From: David Fessel
Subject: Noisy Museums

I'm not a museum professional, but have enjoyed museums as long as I can remember and continue to enjoy and support museums on many different topics. However, I have a major gripe with the way almost all museums are managed these days. Each one seems to find it mandatory to install displays with voice-overs, taped explanations or other aural distractions. Add to that the penchant for creating mini-movie-theaters that are not separated from the rest of the museum environment, and a babel of sounds and noises assaults the museum-goer from every direction.

For those of us who want to focus on other exhibits and actually read (imagine that) the in-depth and often fascinating written commentary that most exhibits have, these noisy nearby exhibits are a real problem. It is hard to concentrate on an intelligently-written signboard when the adjacent exhibit is running, for example, an endless tape-loop with fife and drums, explosions and a dramatized reenactment of a battle. Has the need to cater to the lowest common denominator of visitor (casual browser, doesn't want to read anything) trumped all sensibility when it comes to creating a studious environment? What ever happened to "Quite please!".

I'm interested in whether I'm just a crank on this matter or whether others also think that this proliferation of auditory irritation needs to be much better controlled.
-------------------------------------------
David Fessel
Rockville MD
-------------------------------------------

Interesting comment David. The museum exhibition world has changed quite a bit over the last several decades. When I first stated in exhibitions, over a decade ago, the common practice was still lengthy text on panels with images and collections pieces with labels. That is what I learned to create as a designer and it took me quite a while to catch up with the new world of exhibitions with the interactive features and less static information. I also love to read exhibit text, especially when the author has put a good deal of effort into eloquently portraying the information. We are, however, in a new area where museums are trying to capture new visitors and demographics who are not drawn to text on a wall. In my experience many museums try to take on to many audio/visual components too quickly and run into problems with bleed through into other exhibits and things like that. But I am afraid the days of silent museums with wall text are over, as annoying as that can be sometimes.


-------------------------------------------
Matthew MacVittie MLS
Collections & Exhibits Manager
Seward House Museum
Auburn NY
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2015 01:54 PM
From: David Fessel
Subject: Noisy Museums

I'm not a museum professional, but have enjoyed museums as long as I can remember and continue to enjoy and support museums on many different topics. However, I have a major gripe with the way almost all museums are managed these days. Each one seems to find it mandatory to install displays with voice-overs, taped explanations or other aural distractions. Add to that the penchant for creating mini-movie-theaters that are not separated from the rest of the museum environment, and a babel of sounds and noises assaults the museum-goer from every direction.

For those of us who want to focus on other exhibits and actually read (imagine that) the in-depth and often fascinating written commentary that most exhibits have, these noisy nearby exhibits are a real problem. It is hard to concentrate on an intelligently-written signboard when the adjacent exhibit is running, for example, an endless tape-loop with fife and drums, explosions and a dramatized reenactment of a battle. Has the need to cater to the lowest common denominator of visitor (casual browser, doesn't want to read anything) trumped all sensibility when it comes to creating a studious environment? What ever happened to "Quite please!".

I'm interested in whether I'm just a crank on this matter or whether others also think that this proliferation of auditory irritation needs to be much better controlled.
-------------------------------------------
David Fessel
Rockville MD
-------------------------------------------

Thank you for your thoughtful comments David.  As a curator I know that noise can be a problem.  In many museums that I have seen successful multimedia components the use of headphones is encouraged, if not required to reduce noise pollution.  However I am of the belief that museums should not be a quiet place.  I believe that museums should foster discussion of the materials and interaction between visitors.  I hope that museums are filled with discussion, not multimedia noises.

While I agree multimedia noise is distracting, as others have pointed out in this forum it does present the materiel in a different way, which can be very helpful to some people.  Thank you for your comments I will take them into consideration next time I am curating an exhibit with audio components.

-------------------------------------------
Zachary Wnek
Museum Curator
Latah County Historical Society
Moscow ID
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2015 01:54 PM
From: David Fessel
Subject: Noisy Museums

I'm not a museum professional, but have enjoyed museums as long as I can remember and continue to enjoy and support museums on many different topics. However, I have a major gripe with the way almost all museums are managed these days. Each one seems to find it mandatory to install displays with voice-overs, taped explanations or other aural distractions. Add to that the penchant for creating mini-movie-theaters that are not separated from the rest of the museum environment, and a babel of sounds and noises assaults the museum-goer from every direction.

For those of us who want to focus on other exhibits and actually read (imagine that) the in-depth and often fascinating written commentary that most exhibits have, these noisy nearby exhibits are a real problem. It is hard to concentrate on an intelligently-written signboard when the adjacent exhibit is running, for example, an endless tape-loop with fife and drums, explosions and a dramatized reenactment of a battle. Has the need to cater to the lowest common denominator of visitor (casual browser, doesn't want to read anything) trumped all sensibility when it comes to creating a studious environment? What ever happened to "Quite please!".

I'm interested in whether I'm just a crank on this matter or whether others also think that this proliferation of auditory irritation needs to be much better controlled.
-------------------------------------------
David Fessel
Rockville MD
-------------------------------------------

Hi, David -

As others have pointed out, museums have changed considerably in recent years.  The good news is, thoughtful choices in exhibit design can avoid problems like noise pollution or text/graphics that are hard to read.  Often, I think noisy exhibits are the product of trying to compete with noisy visitors.  School groups can be remarkably loud, as can visitors with cell phones.  Unfortunately, sometimes it seems that visitors in large gallery spaces that allow high occupancy respond to that environment behaviorally in much the same way that they respond to shopping malls, big box stores or sports arenas.  Quiet audio programming gets eclipsed in these environments, so the quick answer is "crank it up". 

There are ways around this, however.  There is a specialized type of speaker called the Audio Spotlight which is able to focus sound waves much like a light beam, enabling audio programming to be heard only within a specific radius.  Not every museum has the infrastructure (or funding) for these systems, but they does exist. 

Another thing to consider is how the exhibit is presented.  Is the environment one that comes with an expectation of introspection, awe, even reverence?  Or does it feel like an amusement park?  People are influenced by their surroundings, and this can work to our advantage.

In order to try to create engaging content, most designers prefer to avoid black and white text in favor of color schemes chosen either to compliment the objects or to create a sense of place within the exhibit environment.  Careful color choices can ensure that there is sufficient contrast to allow text to be easily read, but only if the chosen fonts are large and simple enough.  There's quite a bit of data out there showing how much (or little) time the average museum visitor is willing to spend reading text (hint - not much).  However, careful writing and layout can produce clear, concise interpretive text.  When I write interpretive content, I work closely with an informal science educator (MSSE) to ensure that our text meets those standards.  Often, simple changes in word choices or in how the text is broken up can make a huge difference in both readability and comprehension and retention of the material. 

That's my $0.02 worth.  Thanks for your input! 

      Michael


-------------------------------------------
Michael Holland
Principal/Owner
Michael Holland Productions
Bozeman MT
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2015 01:54 PM
From: David Fessel
Subject: Noisy Museums

I'm not a museum professional, but have enjoyed museums as long as I can remember and continue to enjoy and support museums on many different topics. However, I have a major gripe with the way almost all museums are managed these days. Each one seems to find it mandatory to install displays with voice-overs, taped explanations or other aural distractions. Add to that the penchant for creating mini-movie-theaters that are not separated from the rest of the museum environment, and a babel of sounds and noises assaults the museum-goer from every direction.

For those of us who want to focus on other exhibits and actually read (imagine that) the in-depth and often fascinating written commentary that most exhibits have, these noisy nearby exhibits are a real problem. It is hard to concentrate on an intelligently-written signboard when the adjacent exhibit is running, for example, an endless tape-loop with fife and drums, explosions and a dramatized reenactment of a battle. Has the need to cater to the lowest common denominator of visitor (casual browser, doesn't want to read anything) trumped all sensibility when it comes to creating a studious environment? What ever happened to "Quite please!".

I'm interested in whether I'm just a crank on this matter or whether others also think that this proliferation of auditory irritation needs to be much better controlled.
-------------------------------------------
David Fessel
Rockville MD
-------------------------------------------

Hi David,
I think some people are able to tune this stuff out, but I'm with you: it drives me batty. Some of our exhibits have three or four sound tracks competing for attention in the same space -- Argh! We use headphones sometimes -- but then you lose the attention-grabbing element and far fewer visitors actually hear the piece, or even know it's there. We often use sound cones that are supposed to direct the audio to a certain spot, but they're not terribly effective in small spaces. Don't tell anyone, but I sometimes run around and turn everything down a notch!  

I think audio can be a really powerful element of an exhibit experience -- intimate, vivid, setting an emotional tone, immersing people in a different time/place... We once had an exhibit about Asian American teenage girls and suicide, and at the entry to the exhibit there was a sound cone with a montage of negative messages these girls hear all the time ("Your sister got an A in that class, what's wrong with you??" "You can't go out wearing that, young lady!" etc. etc.). People would stand there trying to focus on the intro text with these awful voices hissing at them -- it really evoked the experience we were trying to explore in the show. I would love to hear other examples of how people have used sound installations effectively -- and in particular, how do you avoid creating the kind of distracting cacophony David describes?

Mikala

-------------------------------------------
Mikala Woodward
Exhibit Developer
Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience
Seattle WA
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2015 01:54 PM
From: David Fessel
Subject: Noisy Museums

I'm not a museum professional, but have enjoyed museums as long as I can remember and continue to enjoy and support museums on many different topics. However, I have a major gripe with the way almost all museums are managed these days. Each one seems to find it mandatory to install displays with voice-overs, taped explanations or other aural distractions. Add to that the penchant for creating mini-movie-theaters that are not separated from the rest of the museum environment, and a babel of sounds and noises assaults the museum-goer from every direction.

For those of us who want to focus on other exhibits and actually read (imagine that) the in-depth and often fascinating written commentary that most exhibits have, these noisy nearby exhibits are a real problem. It is hard to concentrate on an intelligently-written signboard when the adjacent exhibit is running, for example, an endless tape-loop with fife and drums, explosions and a dramatized reenactment of a battle. Has the need to cater to the lowest common denominator of visitor (casual browser, doesn't want to read anything) trumped all sensibility when it comes to creating a studious environment? What ever happened to "Quite please!".

I'm interested in whether I'm just a crank on this matter or whether others also think that this proliferation of auditory irritation needs to be much better controlled.
-------------------------------------------
David Fessel
Rockville MD
-------------------------------------------

Good afternoon David, 

I'm guessing old school will become vogue again, with whatever twists that modern tastes and technology will have on it. I've actually lived long enough now to see cycles in trends. Hrumpfh. In the interim I like to visit other museums during traditional quieter times. 

We're opening a new permanent exhibition and "re-imaginging" an iconic gallery in 2015.  These are big-ticket items and a lot has gone into the sounds.  The first is on ancient civilizations and text and objects are biggies. The sounds / audio was big discussion, with us opting for less.  The latter is a historic street recreation of turn of the 20th century Milwaukee.  This exhibit is very minimal in text. Still, the sounds were more a distraction than an addition. Here a lot of discussion has been had on not having sounds, for sounds sake, and putting each idea for sound through a crucible.  Result - TBD.  Come to Milwaukee Spring to see the permanent gallery and Dec 2015 for the "re-imagined" gallery and I'll take you through them to check it out. 



-------------------------------------------
Art Montgomery
Education Manager
Milwaukee Public Museum
Milwaukee WI
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 01-14-2015 01:54 PM
From: Mikala Woodward
Subject: Noisy Museums

Hi David,
I think some people are able to tune this stuff out, but I'm with you: it drives me batty. Some of our exhibits have three or four sound tracks competing for attention in the same space -- Argh! We use headphones sometimes -- but then you lose the attention-grabbing element and far fewer visitors actually hear the piece, or even know it's there. We often use sound cones that are supposed to direct the audio to a certain spot, but they're not terribly effective in small spaces. Don't tell anyone, but I sometimes run around and turn everything down a notch!  

I think audio can be a really powerful element of an exhibit experience -- intimate, vivid, setting an emotional tone, immersing people in a different time/place... We once had an exhibit about Asian American teenage girls and suicide, and at the entry to the exhibit there was a sound cone with a montage of negative messages these girls hear all the time ("Your sister got an A in that class, what's wrong with you??" "You can't go out wearing that, young lady!" etc. etc.). People would stand there trying to focus on the intro text with these awful voices hissing at them -- it really evoked the experience we were trying to explore in the show. I would love to hear other examples of how people have used sound installations effectively -- and in particular, how do you avoid creating the kind of distracting cacophony David describes?

Mikala

-------------------------------------------
Mikala Woodward
Exhibit Developer
Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience
Seattle WA
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2015 01:54 PM
From: David Fessel
Subject: Noisy Museums

I'm not a museum professional, but have enjoyed museums as long as I can remember and continue to enjoy and support museums on many different topics. However, I have a major gripe with the way almost all museums are managed these days. Each one seems to find it mandatory to install displays with voice-overs, taped explanations or other aural distractions. Add to that the penchant for creating mini-movie-theaters that are not separated from the rest of the museum environment, and a babel of sounds and noises assaults the museum-goer from every direction.

For those of us who want to focus on other exhibits and actually read (imagine that) the in-depth and often fascinating written commentary that most exhibits have, these noisy nearby exhibits are a real problem. It is hard to concentrate on an intelligently-written signboard when the adjacent exhibit is running, for example, an endless tape-loop with fife and drums, explosions and a dramatized reenactment of a battle. Has the need to cater to the lowest common denominator of visitor (casual browser, doesn't want to read anything) trumped all sensibility when it comes to creating a studious environment? What ever happened to "Quite please!".

I'm interested in whether I'm just a crank on this matter or whether others also think that this proliferation of auditory irritation needs to be much better controlled.
-------------------------------------------
David Fessel
Rockville MD
-------------------------------------------

The Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels had a remarkable solution to what could have been a very noisy exhibit.  When you enter the exhibit space, you are given a set of headphones.  Each of the display cases contained instruments that were contemporaries of each other.  As you move toward a case, your headsets begin to play recorded music played by those instruments in the case which would have been contemporary music at the time that the instruments were made.  You could listen to as much of the music as you liked (some of the selections were not short and it repeated upon completion).  When you moved away from that case, the music faded and the headset was silent until you approached another case with different instruments, different recorded music, etc.  While this was a very specific solution to the challenge of managing sound in a specific type of exhibition, I thought it worth mentioning since I have not seen this technology used anywhere else before or since. 
-------------------------------------------
Polly Stone
Educational Consultant
Arlington VT
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2015 01:54 PM
From: David Fessel
Subject: Noisy Museums

I'm not a museum professional, but have enjoyed museums as long as I can remember and continue to enjoy and support museums on many different topics. However, I have a major gripe with the way almost all museums are managed these days. Each one seems to find it mandatory to install displays with voice-overs, taped explanations or other aural distractions. Add to that the penchant for creating mini-movie-theaters that are not separated from the rest of the museum environment, and a babel of sounds and noises assaults the museum-goer from every direction.

For those of us who want to focus on other exhibits and actually read (imagine that) the in-depth and often fascinating written commentary that most exhibits have, these noisy nearby exhibits are a real problem. It is hard to concentrate on an intelligently-written signboard when the adjacent exhibit is running, for example, an endless tape-loop with fife and drums, explosions and a dramatized reenactment of a battle. Has the need to cater to the lowest common denominator of visitor (casual browser, doesn't want to read anything) trumped all sensibility when it comes to creating a studious environment? What ever happened to "Quite please!".

I'm interested in whether I'm just a crank on this matter or whether others also think that this proliferation of auditory irritation needs to be much better controlled.
-------------------------------------------
David Fessel
Rockville MD
-------------------------------------------

Like it or not, we have a world where those generations following us are used to television, radio, I-pods, video games, and driving vehicles all happening simultaneously or in multiple variations.  Concentration tactics are as varied as races and faiths.  I, too, have wished that museums now offered sound-deadening ear (muffs?) much as I wear when using the chainsaw.  Perhaps these will soon become a choice when viewing an exhibit.

-------------------------------------------
Peter Durbin
Board Chairman
Tri-County Historical Museum
Blissfield MI
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2015 01:54 PM
From: David Fessel
Subject: Noisy Museums

I'm not a museum professional, but have enjoyed museums as long as I can remember and continue to enjoy and support museums on many different topics. However, I have a major gripe with the way almost all museums are managed these days. Each one seems to find it mandatory to install displays with voice-overs, taped explanations or other aural distractions. Add to that the penchant for creating mini-movie-theaters that are not separated from the rest of the museum environment, and a babel of sounds and noises assaults the museum-goer from every direction.

For those of us who want to focus on other exhibits and actually read (imagine that) the in-depth and often fascinating written commentary that most exhibits have, these noisy nearby exhibits are a real problem. It is hard to concentrate on an intelligently-written signboard when the adjacent exhibit is running, for example, an endless tape-loop with fife and drums, explosions and a dramatized reenactment of a battle. Has the need to cater to the lowest common denominator of visitor (casual browser, doesn't want to read anything) trumped all sensibility when it comes to creating a studious environment? What ever happened to "Quite please!".

I'm interested in whether I'm just a crank on this matter or whether others also think that this proliferation of auditory irritation needs to be much better controlled.
-------------------------------------------
David Fessel
Rockville MD
-------------------------------------------

I saw the "SoundShower" at the last AAM MuseumExpo - it seemed like a neat way to restrict audio content to a specific area.  I have no idea how it works, but it's a way to reduce noise in museums.

-Meredith

-------------------------------------------
Meredith Peruzzi
Manager
Gallaudet University Museum
Washington DC
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2015 01:54 PM
From: David Fessel
Subject: Noisy Museums

I'm not a museum professional, but have enjoyed museums as long as I can remember and continue to enjoy and support museums on many different topics. However, I have a major gripe with the way almost all museums are managed these days. Each one seems to find it mandatory to install displays with voice-overs, taped explanations or other aural distractions. Add to that the penchant for creating mini-movie-theaters that are not separated from the rest of the museum environment, and a babel of sounds and noises assaults the museum-goer from every direction.

For those of us who want to focus on other exhibits and actually read (imagine that) the in-depth and often fascinating written commentary that most exhibits have, these noisy nearby exhibits are a real problem. It is hard to concentrate on an intelligently-written signboard when the adjacent exhibit is running, for example, an endless tape-loop with fife and drums, explosions and a dramatized reenactment of a battle. Has the need to cater to the lowest common denominator of visitor (casual browser, doesn't want to read anything) trumped all sensibility when it comes to creating a studious environment? What ever happened to "Quite please!".

I'm interested in whether I'm just a crank on this matter or whether others also think that this proliferation of auditory irritation needs to be much better controlled.
-------------------------------------------
David Fessel
Rockville MD
-------------------------------------------

*I am new to this site and accidentally sent my reply as a new thread, sorry about that. But hey, that's hands on learning!*

Hi David, 

I think that so wonderful that you have had a life long love of museums.  I believe  you bring up a very interesting point with many diverse answers.  Several museum professionals have already responded to you stating that there are plenty of aesthetic reasons for there to be a loud auditory component to an exhibit.  I also wanted to point out that museums cater to visitors with a variety of differing abilities. An audio component may be intended as an aid for people who cannot read, people who have low vision, people who are blind, or youngsters that haven't learned how to read yet.
 However, theses auditory components can create uncomfortable sensory experiences for other guests who may be more sensitive to light, sound, etc. Many museums offer special timed events where exhibit components have been turned down or otherwise altered to create a calmer, quieter museum atmosphere. These events are usually called "sensory friendly". My museum The Franklin Institute, has held two "Sensory Friendly Sundays" which were successfully received by audiences who are sensory sensitive and/or enjoy a calmer museum experience. I would recommend contacting your favorite museums and asking if they offer this type of programming. 

I hope that I helped to answer your question. 

If you have any more questions about these type of events feel free to contact me. I would be more than happy to help.   

Thank you for your ongoing museum patronage, 

Becky 
-------------------------------------------
Rebecca Smith
STEM Initiatives Coordinator
The Franklin Institute
Philadelphia PA
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2015 01:54 PM
From: David Fessel
Subject: Noisy Museums

I'm not a museum professional, but have enjoyed museums as long as I can remember and continue to enjoy and support museums on many different topics. However, I have a major gripe with the way almost all museums are managed these days. Each one seems to find it mandatory to install displays with voice-overs, taped explanations or other aural distractions. Add to that the penchant for creating mini-movie-theaters that are not separated from the rest of the museum environment, and a babel of sounds and noises assaults the museum-goer from every direction.

For those of us who want to focus on other exhibits and actually read (imagine that) the in-depth and often fascinating written commentary that most exhibits have, these noisy nearby exhibits are a real problem. It is hard to concentrate on an intelligently-written signboard when the adjacent exhibit is running, for example, an endless tape-loop with fife and drums, explosions and a dramatized reenactment of a battle. Has the need to cater to the lowest common denominator of visitor (casual browser, doesn't want to read anything) trumped all sensibility when it comes to creating a studious environment? What ever happened to "Quite please!".

I'm interested in whether I'm just a crank on this matter or whether others also think that this proliferation of auditory irritation needs to be much better controlled.
-------------------------------------------
David Fessel
Rockville MD
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Museums are communal spaces where people experience whatever is on display or interpreted as a group. Unlike a movie theater where silence is demanded and typically observed, museums rarely enforce such demands. Visitors discussing whatever they are experiencing together, while in a museum, is a special privilege that should not be discouraged. The biggest problem with the sound levels in most museums has less to do with audio or video programs, or visitors talking at a normal level (a large group of unescorted screaming children is another matter). The biggest problem has to do with the acoustics of the exhibit space and the design of audio and video program sound delivery systems. Another writer mentioned focused speakers or speaker arrays, and these work very well at containing sound bleed, but they do not solve the acoustical problem within a given space, and their sound quality is good but not great for every purpose. Most museum spaces are "hard" spaces. All of the surfaces are reflective (hard) and sound bounces off of walls, floors, and ceilings, creating an unpleasant and distracting din. Carpeted floors do not contribute to solving the problem; they merely reduce the sound of footfall. Spaces need acoustically absorptive surfaces to help attenuate the sound. The best approach is to hire an acoustician to examine the space and suggest products that can be installed to achieve the sound control desired. In many cases, these products are invisible or are incorporated seamlessly and attractively into the design. In the early stages of museum planning or exhibition design, spaces can also be laid out to reduce sound bleed and produce a very pleasant aural experience for visitors without the use of doors or physical separation. As a museum exhibit designer, I have worked with acousticians on several projects, and typically include techniques gleaned from them in almost every exhibit design project that I have been involved with since. The only downside is that there is an added cost for materials and their installation. There is little additional cost for good planning in the early stages of a project to avoid these situations down the road. 

Michael Hanke
Exhibit Designer
Design Division, Inc.
Amherst MA
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2015 01:54 PM
From: David Fessel
Subject: Noisy Museums

I'm not a museum professional, but have enjoyed museums as long as I can remember and continue to enjoy and support museums on many different topics. However, I have a major gripe with the way almost all museums are managed these days. Each one seems to find it mandatory to install displays with voice-overs, taped explanations or other aural distractions. Add to that the penchant for creating mini-movie-theaters that are not separated from the rest of the museum environment, and a babel of sounds and noises assaults the museum-goer from every direction.

For those of us who want to focus on other exhibits and actually read (imagine that) the in-depth and often fascinating written commentary that most exhibits have, these noisy nearby exhibits are a real problem. It is hard to concentrate on an intelligently-written signboard when the adjacent exhibit is running, for example, an endless tape-loop with fife and drums, explosions and a dramatized reenactment of a battle. Has the need to cater to the lowest common denominator of visitor (casual browser, doesn't want to read anything) trumped all sensibility when it comes to creating a studious environment? What ever happened to "Quite please!".

I'm interested in whether I'm just a crank on this matter or whether others also think that this proliferation of auditory irritation needs to be much better controlled.
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David Fessel
Rockville MD
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I am often perplexed by the silence in some museums. I wonder about the social ques that signify to people that they should be quiet, because there is almost never any written signage asking for silence. I am not a proponent for a quiet museum in general. Depending on the type of museum and the subject matter, I believe that museums should be places for discussion. Visitors should be encouraged to discuss the objects they are looking at with each other in the gallery space and stop acting like they are at a funeral when they are in fact in a gallery. That being said multimedia noise pollution (unless it is part of the overall narrative) does have the potential to distract museum visitors. I am all for media that helps visitors to engage in and interpret exhibit content. If dramatic sound effects are part of the experience designed for the exhibit I would encourage the visitor to give it a try rather than read the mandatory printed didactic.  Museums are no longer necessarily studious environments. They are attempting to actively engage audience members and provide experiences. But perhaps better logistics need to considered when putting a noisy display next to a text panel, so as not to inhibit the visitors who prefer quiet when reading. After all, museums should be inclusive for everyone be that the casual browser, reader, artists, family, ect. 

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Polly Toledo
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2015 01:54 PM
From: David Fessel
Subject: Noisy Museums

I'm not a museum professional, but have enjoyed museums as long as I can remember and continue to enjoy and support museums on many different topics. However, I have a major gripe with the way almost all museums are managed these days. Each one seems to find it mandatory to install displays with voice-overs, taped explanations or other aural distractions. Add to that the penchant for creating mini-movie-theaters that are not separated from the rest of the museum environment, and a babel of sounds and noises assaults the museum-goer from every direction.

For those of us who want to focus on other exhibits and actually read (imagine that) the in-depth and often fascinating written commentary that most exhibits have, these noisy nearby exhibits are a real problem. It is hard to concentrate on an intelligently-written signboard when the adjacent exhibit is running, for example, an endless tape-loop with fife and drums, explosions and a dramatized reenactment of a battle. Has the need to cater to the lowest common denominator of visitor (casual browser, doesn't want to read anything) trumped all sensibility when it comes to creating a studious environment? What ever happened to "Quite please!".

I'm interested in whether I'm just a crank on this matter or whether others also think that this proliferation of auditory irritation needs to be much better controlled.
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David Fessel
Rockville MD
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Hello - 

Is it possible to agree with everyone here?  As a museum person who frequently works alone I love the quite of the early morning and afternoon in a museum when there are no sounds and I can not be distracted but I also love the sound of guests of all ages reacting to exhibits - good or bad - as it brings the space to life and you can learn so much from one off hand comment sometimes.  

Personally I live my life with earplugs in my bag - I haven't seen a movie without them in over ten years - and as museums try to compete with other forms of entertainment and education sound is going to be around.  My ears are sensitive and I find it to be to my advantage to have earplugs always available for wherever I am because you never know when something might be amplified.  The soft foam ones that only block 20-30 decibels work great because you can still hear around you so you are not cut off but the level is dimmed.  I have a box on my desk and have handed them out to visitors before when I notice they too seem to feel the space is a bit loud.

On the flip side my sister-in-law is deaf and the move toward sound and video can be hard for her in many places.  At times if it is on a screen there are captions or even sign language but frequently there is nothing and with the slow demise of large explanatory boards she frequently has little to no information available to her without someone in the family repeating everything - which is both frustrating and can be embarrassing at times - it also means she can't go to museums by herself.  Some museums have print outs for her to read but sadly complete ones for the whole space are few and far between.  Where a large binder of all the exhibits is available she is always so happy she will talk about it for weeks.

Museums are always trying to meet everyones expectations and its hard when no two people are alike - but maybe earplugs and explanatory binders can help.

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Lenora Costa
Curator
Longue Vue House & Gardens
New Orleans LA
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2015 01:54 PM
From: David Fessel
Subject: Noisy Museums

I'm not a museum professional, but have enjoyed museums as long as I can remember and continue to enjoy and support museums on many different topics. However, I have a major gripe with the way almost all museums are managed these days. Each one seems to find it mandatory to install displays with voice-overs, taped explanations or other aural distractions. Add to that the penchant for creating mini-movie-theaters that are not separated from the rest of the museum environment, and a babel of sounds and noises assaults the museum-goer from every direction.

For those of us who want to focus on other exhibits and actually read (imagine that) the in-depth and often fascinating written commentary that most exhibits have, these noisy nearby exhibits are a real problem. It is hard to concentrate on an intelligently-written signboard when the adjacent exhibit is running, for example, an endless tape-loop with fife and drums, explosions and a dramatized reenactment of a battle. Has the need to cater to the lowest common denominator of visitor (casual browser, doesn't want to read anything) trumped all sensibility when it comes to creating a studious environment? What ever happened to "Quite please!".

I'm interested in whether I'm just a crank on this matter or whether others also think that this proliferation of auditory irritation needs to be much better controlled.
-------------------------------------------
David Fessel
Rockville MD
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