Museo: Storia di un'idea: Dalla Rivoluzione francese a oggi

by Karsten Schubert, Maria Gregorio (Translator)

Pur facendo riferimento ai momenti salienti dell'istituzione dei musei, l'autore si propone di delineare una breve storia del "concetto" di museo. Nella prima parte analizza l'idea di museo dalla Rivoluzione francese alla realizzazione del Centre Pompidou, spazio espositivo che ha determinato una svolta radicale nella concezione e nel significato dell'istituzione museale. Nella seconda approfondisce il tema attraverso gli avvenimenti internazionali degli ultimi vent'anni. Il museo non è un'oasi di pace lontana dalla politica, al contrario: un'analisi delle condizioni e della gestione dei musei rivela chiaramente i grandi cambiamenti culturali e sociali della vita di un paese.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Museology, Museums, History, Art History

222 pages, Paperback

First published November 2, 2005

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprisingly addicted to reading this book. I had prepared myself for a dry read, but it was really enjoyable and I learned a lot from it.

[Jackie ϟ Bookseller · Rating 3 out of 5]

The history of the museum and the major issues Schubert discusses in this book are certainly relevant and well-researched. However, there were a few issues with its narrative:

1. The origins of collecting as elitist, often in the form of cultural appropriation and exoticism, practice in general are not included. 2. Only European/Western examples are used, despite the fact that there are many great and historically important museums elsewhere. 3. The final conclusion that museums should be "elitist for everyone" is a bit short-sighted, as a majority of the world's population has no interest in art or history when they struggle to pay rent, buy food, find work etc. In this case, anti-elitist subjects should be the museum's aim as well to do educational service to those who would not normally find themselves within the museum walls.

I read this in just three days for a graduate seminar, so these thoughts aren't well thought out yet, but I'll be looking forward to the critiques and other thoughts of my classmates.

[Matias P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

La primera mitad, donde plantea una revisión histórica de la evolución del museo desde mediados del siglo XVIII hasta los años ochenta del XX, es magnífica. Muy bien montada, muy didáctica, rica en ideas fuerza. La segunda mitad, donde se sitúa en el presente en el que fue escrito el libro (1999) para intentar describir nuevas tendencias, es más irregular.

Nada más comenzar, Karsten Schubert reconoce su pasión por los museos, que deriva en una lectura del todo elogiosa, cayendo muchas veces en la desmesura. Aún con eso, este tipo de visiones sirven como contrapeso a la extendida idea del museo como mausoleo y el trabajo de investigación que la sostiene muestra que los museos son una institución mucho más compleja, inquieta y cambiante de lo que se acostumbra a pensar.

8/10

[Salpi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a strong book for readers seeking a clearer understanding of museums. It may feel demanding for a general audience because of the density of names and references, but for regular museum visitors the effort is justified.

I have no criticism of its focus on Western museums. Institutional models developed within specific historical conditions. The Accademia emerged in Florence, not Dhaka, and this genealogy is simply a fact of how museums, as institutions, came into being.

Personally, I would have appreciated further reflection on the concepts and the evolution of museums. Hence, four stars.

[Bing · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for my introduction to museum study class. I loved how the author started with the histories of museum establishments around the world. He did a great job for the history part. However, the book becomes a bit confusing toward the end when he predicts the future developments of the museums. I would give a 5 star if the book sticks with histories throughout because it is easy to understand for people who never learned about how museums work.

[Giorgia G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for my dissertation, useful and concise. Yay.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent history of museums through the lens of the major architects, though a bit dated by now.

[Inge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to museum studies, interesting history and the second part is quite helpful too. Well written, enjoyed it loads!