Putting a price on museums’ value

As an inveterate museum-goer, I object to the comments of Michael Berliner [“Let Museums Be Funded by Their Visitors,” Letters, Oct. 26]. What museums offer is not a “product” but rather a valuable intangible more akin to “education.” Those of us without children in public schools pay taxes to support them, an obligation most of us assume willingly.

As for his reference to publicly supported museums elsewhere in the world, I would refer him to the United Nations report that identifies Finland as the world’s best-educated country. It also has more museums for its population than any other country. Museums may not account for all their educational progress, but I suggest there is a clear connection between the two.

James A. Aldridge

Huntington Beach

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