【MUET】Essay - “Many people visit museums when they travel to new places. Why do you think people visit museums?”

 

Many people visit museums when they travel to new places. Why do you think people visit museums? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

The traditional role of museums is to collect objects and materials of cultural, religious and historical importance, preserve them, research into them and present them to the public for the purpose of education and enjoyment. In the past, museums were for the elitists but today museums have become agents of change and development, mirroring events in society and become instruments of progress by calling attention to actions and events that will encourage development in the society. So, it comes as no surprise that people visit museums when they travel to new places.

It is interesting to consider what compels individuals to visit museums when they travel to new places. Museums offer a safe haven from the hustle and bustle of a new city to newcomers to take a breather and still be able to explore. There are always so many exhibits that appeal to art, history, natural history, music or even toys. The displays are well cared for, emphasizing the importance of each artifact and the descriptions often offer visitors a deeper look and understanding of the artifact. This allows visitors to experience life as it was thousands of year ago and re-live points of times in history. Often exhibits are even interactive in nature, allowing visitors to experience the realia and life even more intensively. Many museums employ hands-on gadgets and discovery designs end up encouraging brainless manipulation because of the motivational activities available from simply operating these gadgets. Use exhibitions to get attention and sensory stimulation from lights, sounds and companions also are rewarding enough to sustain attention of the whole family when visiting a new place. It offers visitors to new place something familiar yet unknown where there they can provide memorable, immersive learning experiences, provoke imagination, introduce unknown worlds and subject matter, and offer unique environments for quality time with family.

Museums are also a lot more than collections of artifacts as they allow you to meet with neighbours, discuss thoughts and opinions, and become an active part of the community. Museums are increasingly holding art chats, book signings, professional development classes, and even wine festivals and farmer’s markets. Something is going on everywhere and visiting a local museum will allow visitors to get a feel of the local vibe and heart of a new place. In such situations, visitors bringing children to museums in new places open their eyes to different ideas and perspectives that could be relevant to their lives, exposing them to a culture that is not available in their hometowns. This kind of exposure can help develop higher critical and creative thinking skills, which are integral to future success.

Besides just being a place to visit and learn things, people tend to visit museums when they travel to new places simply because it provides a few hours of being indoors, away from harsh temperature outdoors. It allows the family to recoup their energy for the rest of the day. The price of museum admissions is often very competitive, offering the biggest bang for the buck. There are often discounts available for families, children and senior citizens. Visiting a museum is cost efficient for people visiting a new place. It also allows information about the local group and cultures to come alive as visitors today intending to visit new places often do a lot of internet research prior to the visit. Seeing something in person is quite different than seeing it on the pages of a book or on a computer screen.

Vocabulary:

elitists (n) - someone who believes that some things should be controlled or owned only by the best educated people (杰出人物统治论者，精英论者)

artifact (n) - an object that is made by a person, such as a tool or a decoration, especially one that is of historical interest (尤指具有史学价值的) 人工制品，制造物，手工艺品

companions (n) - person you spend a lot of time with often because you are friends (同伴；伙伴)

integral (adj) -  necessary and important as a part of a whole (构成整体所必需的)