The remarkable and widely-appreciated opening of the National Museum of National History has brought Filipinos a step closer to the wonders of our own flora and fauna, which our country is so richly endowed with. However, as evidenced in a Twitter thread by Filipino user Marie Bernadette Tuason (@marievelous), it also brings in the fallout of museum appreciation in the age of social media: people “doing it for the gram”.
In @marievelous’s viral Twitter thread, she stated the upsetting things that she herself had witnessed during a recent visit to the National Museum of Natural History:
A thread about the @natmuseumph National Museum of Natural History, hypocrites, and why there's no hope for the Philippines: pic.twitter.com/krQTlLNeGp
— Marie Bernadette Tuason (@marievelous) May 26, 2018
People had differing thoughts on the matter. Some thought that it was just appropriate to call out this unsettling behaviour by most people who visited the museum:
One of the reasons why I cringe when I visit museums (or other exhibits). Others have the audacity to ~ touch ~ the artworks or exhibits 🤷🏽♀️🤦🏽♀️
— Kristine Redillas (@Mariaisquixotic) May 29, 2018
Agree~We went to another museum 2yrs ago but the things you point out here also happened. When people stare at you like they hate your existence solely bcos you are a nuisance to their selfie. So great. I hope the NatMuseum will allow only a few people at a time..
— WhatAFanSays (@MyDream0525) May 29, 2018
Sa Van Gogh Museum sa Amsterdam may patakaran silang bawal kunan ng litrato ang lahat ng paintings. Strikto ang mga naninita. May mga lugar na may replica painting, doon lang puwede magselfie at magpicture. Puwede din ito gawin sa @natmuseumph
— LoveNLife 🌅🌅 (@AnjaMetten7) May 30, 2018
When it had the one time opening last October, taking photos we're prohibited. Pero grabe may mga tao parin na nagvivideo pa inside. Nakakahiya.
— Renzee~ (@RenRen_XO) May 29, 2018
While others thought the Twitter thread was straight up snooty:
Stopping people from taking photos inside museums is outdated. Unless they're taking closeups of artwork with the intent of replicating or forging, there is really no other reason aside from snooty exclusivity and elitism. Look at Yayoi Kusama's interactive exhibits.
— Noni Cabrera نونت (@nokneetoe) May 29, 2018
People hardly go to museums and this snooty attitude of restricting visitation to pure appreciation of art is not inclusive at all. Plus, it's free marketing for the museum. if it's flash-free photography, should be A-ok.
— Noni Cabrera نونت (@nokneetoe) May 29, 2018
No hope kaagad for the Philippines agad ang conclusion? People are actually no longer into museums the mere fact that this drew in people does spell hope for the country! Di naman lahat ng pumunta walang disciplina. Its about enforcement or perhaps the need for more tour guides.
— IrishCoffee (@IrishCoffee) May 29, 2018
HOPE IS A BIG WORD. Gusto ko yung may compilation ka ng negative things in life. Sana man lang na-confront mo kahit pano. Kung totoo kang responsableng tao, ginawa mo to. Nakatulong ka pa. But, thanks for this. Once, nakapunta ako dun, ako maninita.
— cvrsor (@johncursoruy) May 29, 2018
Lakas maka-no hope for the Philippines ha. Tandaang kulang ang edukasyon sa bansang 'to at hindi developed ang museum etiquette kasi konti ang museums in the first place. Salamat na nga at libre na ngayon! Matututo rin ang mga tao, hindi dapat mawalan ng pag-asa dito.
— R Ramirez 🎠 (@mncpxiedrmwitch) May 29, 2018
But this maybe a good way to bring to light the manners that should be observed when visiting any kind of museum, exhibit, or even gallery.
Hi sir Ekoy, with all due respect, I believe the purpose of this tweet/thread is to create awareness. 😊
— J. (@iamleJEDary) May 29, 2018
Let’s admit it: Some people have limited experience with museums. For all we know, the people’s visit to National Museum of Natural History may very well be the first in their lifetime. So in the interest of informing people about the do’s and don’t’s when visiting any institution that displays items with artistic, cultural, historical, or scientific importance, here are some points to consider when making that trip:
Be on time
When the museum states it operates between 8:00am to 5:00pm, they are expected to be closed beyond those hours. Don’t force the guards to accommodate you because they really can’t.
Do some research before your visit
Let’s all be honest here–museums are, more often that not, funereal in nature. Quiet and somber, museums may bore you if you’re only half-interested in what you’re looking at. Do some research before you visit any museum. Is the spotlight on artifacts or art pieces you’re actually fascinated with? Or are you more for interactive exhibits where you can put your tactile sense to good use? Speaking of interactive exhibits…
Touch and appreciate carefully
Just because a museum is interactive in nature does not give people license to be reckless with the displays. Touch objects ever so carefully. If it’s no longer necessary to touch an item in order to appreciate it, then you can look at it from a few meters away. It’s okay. We all have varying degrees of appreciation.
Take photos only when it is allowed
A “photography allowed” rule inside museums is a modern occurence. So go make the most of it but be careful with your surroundings–avoid tripping up on displays or people’s feet. You don’t want to end up like these people who ruined things for the sake of photos:
Yes, those were real cases.
Also, you can always bust the myth surrounding the idea that flash photography ruins delicate artifacts, but when a sign states “no flash photography”, you do as it says. Rules are rules.
Join tour groups
It is best to join tour groups if your budgets allow you to do so. Tour groups are led by people who are well-versed in the collections on display inside museums and exhibits–you can learn a lot from them.
Yes, go “do it for the gram”…
…but do it wisely. Share your tour photos with the rest of the (social media) world because not everyone is blessed to visit premier places like that–an indulgence in today’s economy, really. A selfie or two on site won’t hurt, but please do put the focus on the art or history you’re learning from your trip.
So in conclusion, go visit museums, art exhibits, or even galleries. But do mind your manners. It is but right.
But all negativity aside, please do visit it! The exhibits are great and if you're into travel like me, you'd get a better understanding of the places you'll go! Just do it responsibly cause with what's been happening, idk until when it would look as magestic as when it's new.
— Marie Bernadette Tuason (@marievelous) May 26, 2018
Also, do keep off the grass. Ano beh.
Two days late but I just saw this in my camera roll, and decided to add it to my list. pic.twitter.com/0XEsWyJNKW
— Marie Bernadette Tuason (@marievelous) May 29, 2018
InqPOP!/VT
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