This is a question raised in the second part of the museums and wellbeing analysis done for the American Alliance of Museums from their annual study of museum goers. The report delves into this respite-challenge tension.

For many visitors museums are places to escape, to seek respite from the worries of life, a time to reflect and enjoy. For others, museums are places to be challenged, to consider viewpoints different from their own.

The analysis shows that this is a trade-off for many, which led the study to conclude that "respite and challenge are both important, and neither should be sacrificed for the other" - museums have to execute their own judgement and provide a balance without compromising.