Smithsonian’s First Amendment Fiasco

I’m in Dresden for a week of Wagner and the Ring Cycle but in between the vexations of Wotan, Fricka, and the gang, I’ll write about art here. I’m planning a writing trip to Prague, Berlin, and Amsterdam, too. Since I just got here this morning, I haven’t heard a single warble from a single Rhinemaiden and haven’t seen any art, either. So, I’ll focus mostly on art news breaking over the past few days.

First, a story from the Swamp. Museum security shouldn’t harass and belittle visitors. That’s among the Ten Commandments of good museum protocol. The Smithsonian certainly committed a whopper when it tossed a group of high-school students from the Air and Space Museum because they wore hats with a pro-life message.

About the Author

Brian T. Allen

Brian T. Allen is National Review’s art critic.

I’m in Dresden for a week of Wagner and the Ring Cycle but in between the vexations of Wotan, Fricka, and the gang, I’ll write about art here. I’m planning a writing trip to Prague, Berlin, and Amsterdam, too. Since I just got here this morning, I haven’t heard a single warble from a single Rhinemaiden and haven’t seen any art, either. So, I’ll focus mostly on art news breaking over the past few days.

First, a story from the Swamp. Museum security shouldn’t harass and belittle visitors. That’s among the Ten Commandments of good museum protocol. The Smithsonian certainly committed a whopper when it tossed a group of high-school students from the Air and Space Museum because they wore hats with a pro-life message.