Visual arts...a visit to the metropolitan museum of art Essay - 1

Visual arts...a visit to the metropolitan museum of art - Essay Example as revised to state that: â€Å"The mission of The Metropolitan Museum of Art is to collect, preserve, study, exhibit, and stimulate appreciation for and advance knowledge of works of art that collectively represent the broadest spectrum of human achievement at the highest level of quality, all in the service of the public and in accordance with the highest professional standards† (Metropolitan Museum of Art). Where is the mission found  within  the museum? Is it written for all to see or is it in a piece of literature available at the entrance?  The mission statement can be found in a stairwell near the 81st street entrance. Is it written clearly or do you think it’s too obscure, or too general? What makes it so? The mission statement is clearly written. The original statement, however, connects the art within the museum to the American culture, the spirit of the idea of creating a collection more defined by the culture for which the collection was created. The newer statement separates the art from the public, re-enforcing the idea that art is elitist and through this idea, creates an alienation of the average viewer from the works. The first statement was inclusive, while the second creates exclusivity. Upon entering the museum, the massive size and detail of the architecture leaves one breathless in its impressive impact. The architecture of the front entrance is organized symmetrically, giving a sense of balance and stability. The architecture is serious, intended to denote the importance of the building and impacting with a solemnity that quiets the soul upon entering. Even with the colorful banners on the outside of the entrance, the attendee is intimidated by its impressive stature. Despite its serious nature, the entrance to the museum invites the attendee to enter, to want the experience that waits within its walls. Despite its large and impressive stature, it is not intimidating, but evokes a sense of excitement in the attendee because of what is