Question
Author James Delbourgo stated the British Museum
was the first “truly public” museum in the world.
However, it could be argued the museum was not
truly public based on Delbourgo’s observation that
A) visitors were originally charged a fee to enter.
(B) the British Parliament founded it using tax dollars and
other public funds.
C) for the general public. it was meant only for dignitaries and scholars, no
(D) initially, it included a private Board of Directors.
was the first “truly public” museum in the world.
However, it could be argued the museum was not
truly public based on Delbourgo’s observation that
A) visitors were originally charged a fee to enter.
(B) the British Parliament founded it using tax dollars and
other public funds.
C) for the general public. it was meant only for dignitaries and scholars, no
(D) initially, it included a private Board of Directors.
Ask by Thornton Riley. in the United States
Jan 27,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
The best argument against James Delbourgo’s claim is that the British Museum was initially only for dignitaries and scholars, not the general public.
Solution
The best argument against James Delbourgo’s assertion that the British Museum was the first “truly public” museum is:
C) for the general public, it was meant only for dignitaries and scholars.
Explanation:
While options A and D provide points that could be debated, option C directly addresses the core issue of accessibility and intended audience. If the museum was initially meant only for dignitaries and scholars, it challenges the notion of it being “truly public” as it wasn’t accessible to the general population. This aligns closely with Delbourgo’s observations and offers a strong argument against the museum’s public status.
While options A and D provide points that could be debated, option C directly addresses the core issue of accessibility and intended audience. If the museum was initially meant only for dignitaries and scholars, it challenges the notion of it being “truly public” as it wasn’t accessible to the general population. This aligns closely with Delbourgo’s observations and offers a strong argument against the museum’s public status.
Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor
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Bonus Knowledge
When the British Museum opened its doors in 1759, it was indeed a groundbreaking concept, making art and history accessible to more people than ever before. However, the original intent did lean towards benefiting the elite, with fees and restricted access. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the museum gradually transformed to a more inclusive space, welcoming an ever-growing audience from all walks of life.
As the years went by, the museum’s policies evolved, allowing for free entry and broadening its appeal. Today, it’s a beacon of cultural heritage, boasting millions of visitors yearly from across the globe. Yet, those initial barriers raise intriguing questions about who gets to define “public,” making the museum’s history a fascinating case study of accessibility and privilege.