The Smithsonian's Newest Exhibit: Waterstains (NYT)

[northzax]

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/25/arts/design/25smit.html

The Smithsonian's Newest Exhibits: Water Stains


By LYNETTE CLEMETSON
Published: August 25, 2005

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24 - It may not be obvious to the throngs of tourists who flock daily to its famed museums, but the Smithsonian Institution is falling apart.

Ominous drips from strained expansion joints have sprinkled down amid Asian artifacts in the institution's Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. The historic Arts and Industries Building is closed to visitors to protect them from metal panels dropping from its beautiful but dilapidated ceiling. At the National Air and Space Museum, a water stain mars the Lilienthal hang glider that inspired the Wright Brothers to fly. Even the 1940's prototypes of what was to become seemingly indestructible Tupperware were irreparably damaged in a plumbing breakdown.

The world's largest museum complex, the Smithsonian includes 18 museums and galleries, 10 science centers and a zoological park. It is charged with conserving and displaying the country's treasures, both grand and whimsical - the Star-Spangled Banner that flew over Fort McHenry, bits of moon rock from the earliest space missions, the "puffy shirt" worn by Jerry Seinfeld in his hit television series. (/snip)

[sam sarrha]

1. thought it was g'n to be a collection of Blessed Virgin 'images to pray to

that is really a tragedy.. but there are rich republicans that need that money.. not to mention the Iraqi civilians that are real expensive to kill.. those 1000 pound bombs we drop on their wedding ceremonies cost a lot..