Circus fun or ideas for the next millenium? (The O2 (formerly the Millennium Dome))

Member Name: stmatth

Product:	The O2 (formerly the Millennium Dome)
Date:	21/08/00 (12 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great fun

Disadvantages: No content

Opinions about the Millenium Dome vary widely, and most people seem to have rather extreme views in both directions. I guess the different opinions arise when different people have different expectations. If you see the dome as a multimedia event intended to appeal to your emotions, than it seems quite successful. In particular, the acrobatic air show is extremely fascinating and enjoyable.

However, many critics (and I would count myself among them) think that an exhibition celebrating the Millenium should be more than an oversized circus show. It should e.g. be a starting point for a critical reflection of our future, it should inform visitors about the past, about future possibilities, and make them think and discuss their own expectations and views of the future critically. If any attempt to achieve this were made, they are now drowned completely by the multimedia fun elements.

I am not arguing against fun. Quite the opposite, I believe that fun and more serious content can go hand in hand. But the Dome has failed to include both - other museums have managed to achieve a better balance - e.g. the Dynamic Earth exhibition in Edinburgh (although it is not perfect either).

At the end, I have the impression that the Dome is nothing more than a big circus show. So, if you want to enjoy yourself and don't have the chance to go to the Chinese State Circus or other established shows, then the Millenium Dome may be the perfect place. But don't expect more than just fun, don't expect a glimpse of the future.

But perhaps, this IS the future? Forget content, forget serious, critical thinking! Have fun, enjoy the 30 second TV-soundbites that replace serious arguments. Don't worry, be happy!

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