Opinions are divided on whether museums should be enjoyable spaces for entertainment or whether their primary purpose is educational. From my point of view, by balancing two purposes, museums can both entertain and educate visitors effectively.
Regarding the reason why some people argue that entertainment should be the role of museums, this is due to having many activities. With the advancement of technology, museums may become more modern than in the past, which offer interactive exhibits, workshops, and events for visitors. For example, Harry Potter museums in Tokyo offer many activities for visitors, trying some magic words, visiting some popular scenes, and acting on some screens. Hence, it entertains and engages visitors of all ages as a way of immersing themselves in a magical world, which makes traveling to museums more enjoyable and memorable. Hence, museums can become enjoyable places for entertainment.
On the other hand, some others think that the main purpose of museums is education on the grounds that they preserve and transmit history knowledge to the public. Museums serve as repositories of history and art, offering valuable insights into different periods and cultures. For example, the “Hoa Lo Prison” museum in Vietnam is the place for discovering the harrowing accounts and profound cultural insights of Vietnamese during the Vietnam War. By curating exhibitions, providing explanations, and offering guided tours, “Hoa Lo prison” museums serve as educational institutions that enrich visitors’ understanding, especially children. Therefore, museums play a significant role in education.
In my view, while museums should be engaging and entertaining, their primary purpose should be educational. By striking a balance between entertainment and education, museums can cater to a diverse audience and fulfill their role as cultural preservation that contributes to society’s intellectual development and cultural enrichment.
In conclusion, while some advocate for museums to provide enjoyment, others argue for the importance of museums in offering educational value. In my opinion, by combining many activities, technology with education, museums can effectively fulfill both roles and attract a wide range of visitors.