News out of Chicago yesterday says that a recent party at the Field Museum for new students at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University turned into a drunken affair.

According to a Chicagotribune.com report, students "allegedly threw things at Sue, the museum's prized Tyrannosaurus rex fossil," "were vomiting on themselves and on the Field Museum floors," and "passed out in high-traffic areas."

Seems to mirror a 2006 event called "Martinifest" at which Milwaukee Art Museum goers threw up, passed out, were hurt, got into little fights and climbed onto art sculptures. The Clear Channel Radio event left the Milwaukee Art Museum shaken up and worse for the wear.

Very few big museums allow food and drinks in exhibition and collection areas, though most encourage and permit parties and rentals in their public areas. I'll admit that I love attending events at museums.

There's this feeling of "cool, we get to drink at a museum" that usually overcomes people and leads to fun environments and memorable events.

But, there's also a "hmmm, wonder if we could do something fun with that exhibit" feeling that hits people. It's human nature, but one has to wonder if a few bad, drunken apples will ruin museum parties for us all?