Natural history museums - Past and present

Here's an article from the Chronicle of Higher Education about natural history museums. I hadn't thought about this much, but the author's descriptions of the old exhibits' connection between science and art resonate with my memories of visiting the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History when I was little. Although poorly lit, the exhibits were awe inspiring. I tend not to be impressed by modern, brightly colored "Please Touch" exhibits (not to mention the number of germs they must be infested with).