I am a frequenter of museums. I have my parents to thank for this habit. As a child they would take me to every and any museum deemed worthy and appropriate within a fifty mile radius. Actually, I should correct that statement. They would take me to any "Cultural Institution," deemed worthy and appropriate within a fifty mile radius, which would include museums, churches, historic houses...you get the idea.
Each has it's own distinct smell and feel. Museums frequently smell of paint and new plaster board. There is also a metallic tinge in the air from brass handles and railings warmed by eager patron's grubby hands. While churches smell of ancient incense, candle smoke and old varnish and perhaps guilt? The historic house, however I think has the most distinct smell. The warm soft scent of decaying wood and paper products mixed with the lemony trace of furniture polish, the hint of acrid fireplace scents and the herbal-sachet-reminder of hiding in your grandmother's closet, wrap themselves around you upon entering their halls. These scents are familiar and comforting. I may start a line of candles..."Scents of Cultural Institutions," but who knows how to infuse wax with the scent of guilt? Perhaps a project for next year...
