Temples for the tourists
While reading Umberto Eco’s bold and fascinating statement in the International Herald Tribune of april 2 the notion of the borderless museum was stretched once again. The Italian philosopher and writer, best known for his novel The Name of the Rose, proposes the creation of full-scale mock ups of ancient monuments in the vicinity of old cities such as Venice and Florence. In order to relieve these overcrowded places and to protect them from becoming open air museums, he suggests that special historic theme parks should be developed that would draw away the masses that are currently occupying the narrow streets of most tourist hotspots. Some tourist would rather see a spotless copy of a temple or statue than the decayed original, especially when its placed in close vicinity to other perfect fakes and when its easily accessible by car and tourist coach.
Imagine a busload of American or Chinese tourists that would cross Europe, visiting only suburban heritage centers that bring together copies of local artistic masterpieces and iconic buildings. These people would not have to enter the actual city, could sleep in motels and eat in themed fast food restaurants, and shop at outlet stores selling miniature sculptures and other souvenirs in black box environments. Condensed cultural sites that offer one-stop shopping opportunities for the masses. Assembly line art for the vast herds of tourists that are flooding the globe. When Fordism meets art, and Venice is recreated in Las Vegas, its only a matter of time before the first McMuseum drive thru will receive its first customers in this borderless Uffiziland.
Michiel van Iersel, 8 april 2007
Related posts: Umberto Eco in International Herald Tribune // French Billionaire Beats Guggenheim For Venice Museum //