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A SHORT COMPARISON

Some years ago, I visited the Science Museum in Florence. This was a disappointing experience in value for money - or in a particular interpretation of this.

I don't remember the entrance fee, but whatever it was it was too much. The museum was a wonder, but I could recall very little of it later. No printed information was available to retain. Instead, at the door of each room stood a stern uniformed attendant who asked: 'What language?' and handed me a well-used plastic sleeve containing a typed (very basic) guide to the exhibits. This had to be returned on leaving that room and going on to another.

In one room, I stood mesmerised in front of what (I think) was a 17th century instrument used for grinding optical lenses. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen, testimony to an era in which functionality, beauty of design and ownership by the artisan were all evident. Apart from Galileo's finger, this is the only thing I remember - because I stood in front of it for a long time, consciously trying to memorise what I saw. If only there had been a book, pamphlet, brochure (anything!) that would have proved more accurate than a memory suffering the effects of cultural bombardment.

In contrast was my experience at the National Library in Dublin, which I visited early in 2006. Entry was free (as is usually the case in the great museums and libraries of the British Isles). So was entry to a stunning special exhibition on the life of one of my literary heroes, James Joyce. With its interactive displays, Joycean memorabilia and re-creation of a room in his Zurich apartment, this exhibition cannot have been inexpensive to mount. I came away with a free booklet on the exhibition and my impressions of a warm, friendly and knowledgeable staff.

The National Library also contains an art deco loo that must be a national treasure in itself. I got out the camera! The restaurant was pretty good, too.

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