The Art Museum from Boullée to Bilbao

by Andrew McClellan

Art museums have emerged in recent decades as the most vibrant and popular of all cultural institutions. Though art museums have never been more popular, their direction and values are now being contested as never before―both in the media and in the art world itself. This engaging thematic history of the art museum from its inception in the eighteenth century to the present offers an essential framework for understanding contemporary debates as they have evolved in Europe and the United States. From the visionary museums of Boullée in the eighteenth century to the new Guggenheim in Bilbao and beyond, it explores key aspects of museum theory and ideals and mission; architecture; collecting, classification, and display; the public; commercialism; and restitution and repatriation. The only single volume to give a comprehensive account of the issues critical to museums, the book also highlights the challenges they will face in the future.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, School, Art History, History

364 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2007

Reviews

[Ren Juza · Rating 3 out of 5]

had to read for art history seminar, tbh i’ve read more boring academic work!

[Kaja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent read for anyone interested in museology. While it is certainly an academic work, it’s surprisingly accessible. McClellan includes many well-chosen examples, demonstrating the depth of his research. The way he has organized the chapters is highly effective, as each one flows seamlessly into the next, gradually clarifying the complex structure of the museum as an institution.

[Lenka · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly interesting book that offers views on different topics concerning (mainly) art museums, their development and current trends and problematic issues. Highly recommend.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An overview of the history and development of art museums in the West.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic text dealing with the development of museums and issues they currently face as well as past problems.

McClellan is a fantastic writer and uses pertinent and interesting examples. I especially enjoyed the chapters on commercialism and architecture. This is a must read for anyone interested in working in the museum setting or anyone interested in museums, especially art museums!