Originally Posted by
dimab
I beg to differ, restoration does not destroy the provenance: most of the artifacts you can see in the museums today were tastefully and professionally restored prior to placing them under glass. Including paintings, sculptures, historical buildings etc. I don't think it diminished their value as museum items.
As to whether an historical item meant to be used or not - I can see both points of view. On one hand, if continuous use would eventually destroy the item itself - it'd be a pity. But on the other hand, using an item - be it a picture, a razor or a building - brings you an enormously more powerful feeling of connection to history than merely observing it. Call it "associative magic" or whatever;) Would you prefer the Capitol Building to be closed and preserved or being used as a home of the United States Congress?