New museology

Definition

New museology is a movement that emerged in the late 20th century, focusing on the evolving roles and functions of museums in society. It emphasizes community engagement, social justice, and the importance of diverse narratives, pushing for museums to act as spaces for dialogue rather than just repositories of artifacts. This approach advocates for a shift from traditional collection-centric models to ones that prioritize visitor experience and inclusivity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New museology arose as a response to critiques of traditional museum practices that often prioritized elite narratives over community voices.
2. This movement encourages museums to address issues of representation, equity, and accessibility, making them more relevant to contemporary audiences.
3. It promotes the idea that museums should not only display objects but also serve as platforms for education, discussion, and community engagement.
4. New museology advocates for collaborative projects with local communities, aiming to incorporate their histories and experiences into museum narratives.
5. The shift towards new museology has led to the development of exhibitions that focus on underrepresented groups, challenging the dominant cultural narratives previously presented.

Review Questions

• How does new museology challenge traditional museum practices, and what impact does this have on community engagement?
  • New museology challenges traditional museum practices by emphasizing the need for inclusivity and representation in exhibitions. Unlike earlier models that often marginalized certain narratives, this movement seeks to engage communities directly in the creation of museum content. By prioritizing community voices and experiences, museums become spaces for dialogue where diverse perspectives can be shared, fostering a deeper connection between institutions and their audiences.
• Discuss the role of cultural democracy in new museology and its significance for contemporary museums.
  • Cultural democracy is a key aspect of new museology, advocating for equal access to cultural resources and involving communities in decision-making processes. This principle is significant for contemporary museums as it aligns with efforts to dismantle hierarchical structures that have historically excluded marginalized voices. By embracing cultural democracy, museums can transform into more inclusive spaces that reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, making their collections and programs relevant to a broader audience.
• Evaluate how new museology intersects with concepts like decolonization and participatory practice in reshaping museum roles.
  • New museology intersects with decolonization and participatory practice by challenging existing power dynamics within museums. While decolonization calls for the inclusion of previously marginalized narratives and perspectives, participatory practice emphasizes collaboration with communities in creating museum content. Together, these concepts advocate for a reimagined role for museums as facilitators of cultural dialogue rather than authoritative institutions. This shift allows for a more nuanced understanding of history and culture, enriching both the visitor experience and community relationships.

Related terms

Cultural Democracy: The principle that everyone should have equal access to cultural resources and the opportunity to participate in cultural decision-making.

Participatory Practice: An approach in museum work that involves engaging audiences in the creation and interpretation of exhibitions and programs.

Decolonization: The process of deconstructing colonial ideologies and practices within institutions, including museums, to create space for marginalized voices and perspectives.