The Smithsonian Is Falling Apart

After having recently spent several days touring various Smithsonian museums (you can see the posts from the trip here), I'm really sorry to read this:

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.

But years of inadequate financing and maintenance have led to widespread disrepair that is imperiling the collections, institution officials say.

I'm not a huge fan of Federal spending, and I think the government wastes vast oceans of money on needless programs, but the Smithsonian is one area where I wouldn't object to seeing a higher budget. The museums have such a wealth of our history in them, the administration ought to do whatever it takes to restore those buildings and protect the valuables therein.

Of course, if the funding shortfall continues, they'll be faced with a tough choice. Do you shut down museums or start charging fees to get in? Right now admission is free at all the museums, and I think that's the way it should be to ensure that every American has the opportunity to see "the nation's attic".

You get a wonderful sense of Americana when you visit the museums, and they're a must-see for all Americans. I hope they can work out the funding issues and keep them going bigger and better than ever. As far as I'm concerned, it's money well spent.