The Museum of Natural History

For much of the novel Holden ponders over his inability to perpetuate his childhood. He is very obsessed with this time of  his life since it was much simpler and less stressful. Also, the time of childhood is viewed as the epitome of innocence, especially by Holden. The theme of innocence and the eventual end of everyone's innocence is a recurring aspect of the novel. While in the museum he notes that all the exhibits are frozen in time and this comforts him, but at the same time reiterating his inability to return to his childhood years. Furthermore, The fact that everything in this museum is "natural" satisfies him due to the fact that there is nothing phony about the exhibits.