You may have noticed that I have slacked off a bit lately, especially when it comes to commenting on museums. The reason? I have not visited any museums or historic sites for quite a while.
Why, you ask? I have been pondering the same question. I have certainly not yet exhausted the list of possible sites. Philadelphia and the surrounding communities have many museums and historic sites that I have not yet visited. In fact, there are probably more than I even know about.
The reasons for my recent failures are several. The first reason is one shared by many individuals and it is financial. Sometimes visiting museums and historic sites is expensive. Between transportation, parking and admission costs, a visit can sometimes cost more money than I feel I can spare. But many historic sites in Philadelphia are very inexpensive, or even free. So why the absence of any visits?
I am ashamed to say it but lately I have just not been in the mood to visit museums. I spend most of my time in a very large museum smiling at people and letting them know where they can find the bathrooms. I often visit new exhibitions and walk through the galleries. Sometimes the last thing I want to do on my day off is visit another museum. Reading even more label text feels oppressive. My initial enthusiasm about being in a new city has worn off and I do not feel the same pressure to make the trip to Center City on a day when I do not have to do so for work. Combine this feeling with the craziness of the holiday season, with all of the extra shopping trips and time spent wrapping gifts and I just do not have the time.
Shameful, I know.
So I offer my New Year’s Resolution to you. I will strive to visit the sites I have been putting off and to rekindle my interest in other institutions. Wish me luck.
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