Though the new Selfridges has a similar
goal to the Guggenheim and the MAM - reinvigorating cities -
it is their means that separates them. Bilbao and Milwaukee
use cultural institutions to attract people and act as symbols
of their respective cities, while Birmingham uses commerce to
do the same. But the gap between culture and commerce is shrinking
and often blurry, as witnessed by the introduction of art and
cultural amenities in malls and other retail developments, and
the abundance of stores in museums. Shopping is becoming the
common denominator in much of daily life.
