The future of museums themselves is considered. The fashion and risk of exhibitions are explored. The public's hunger for all things topical is inexhaustible but dangerous. Since we live only once, do we have the right to consume masterpieces? Old Masters are lauded and toured as the best national ambassadors. A work of art never returns the better for wear. Curators may apply a method of mutual blackmail in order to arrange for exchanges. The author concludes with: You say that I am against exhibitions? Let us say rather: I am for' works of art.