Reinventing the Museum: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on the Paradigm Shift

by Gail Anderson (Editor)

This reader brings together 35 seminal articles that reflect the museum world's ongoing conversation with itself and the public about what it means to be a museum―one that is relevant and responsive to its constituents and always examining and reexamining its operations, policies, collections, and programs. In conjunction with the editor's introductory material and recommended additional readings these articles will help students grasp the essentials of the dialogue and guide them on where to turn for further details and developments.

Genres: Nonfiction, Museology, Museums, Art, Read For School, Art History

416 pages, Paperback

First published March 9, 2004

Reviews

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent review of the recent evolution of museology. As with any such anthology, sometimes a statement or viewpoint will make you cringe or go "WHOA! They were so far off with that prediction!" But overall, these are the people who have shaped the museum field, and they had/have lots of great things to say. A number of quotes jumped out at me while reading this. If they don't whet your appetite to read this, I don't think anything will.

Duncan Cameron: "Where museums, be they of art, history, or science, have the knowledge and the resources to interpret matters of public importance, no matter how controversial, they are obliged to do so."

Stephen Weil: "...a museum may only be considered essential so long as its impact is perceived to be both valuable and incomparable."

Will Phillips: "Organizations that are not exploring and using [new technologies] will move more and more slowly at higher and higher operating costs."

Robert Janes: "Simply put, patriarchy and control foster isolation; while individual responsibility and stewardship nurture the web of community relationships."

[Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

for Introduction to Museology

provides a good history and a wide range of theories regarding museum management. Would be able to say more about it had I done more of the readings for class...