New museology

Definition

New museology refers to a movement within the museum field that emphasizes the role of museums as active participants in social and cultural discourse, rather than just passive holders of collections. This approach advocates for museums to address contemporary issues, engage with communities, and promote social justice by redefining their roles and responsibilities in society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New museology emerged in the late 20th century as a response to the traditional museum practices that were often criticized for being elitist and exclusionary.
2. This movement encourages museums to address historical injustices and provide platforms for marginalized voices through exhibitions and educational programs.
3. New museology promotes the idea of museums as sites of dialogue, where different perspectives can be shared and discussed within the context of societal challenges.
4. It calls for museums to re-evaluate their collections by considering provenance and the ethical implications of how items were acquired.
5. The movement has led to initiatives that focus on inclusivity, accessibility, and collaboration with local communities, transforming how museums operate.

Review Questions

• How does new museology redefine the role of museums in contemporary society?
  • New museology redefines the role of museums by positioning them as active agents in addressing social issues and facilitating community engagement. Instead of merely exhibiting artifacts, museums are encouraged to create spaces for dialogue and reflection on contemporary challenges. This shift promotes inclusivity and ensures that diverse voices are heard, fostering a more equitable relationship between museums and their audiences.
• Discuss the implications of new museology on curation practices within museums.
  • New museology significantly impacts curation practices by encouraging curators to rethink their approaches to exhibition design and content selection. Curators are now more focused on representing multiple perspectives and narratives, particularly those of marginalized groups. This shift requires curators to collaborate with community members and consider ethical issues related to the provenance of objects, ultimately leading to more meaningful and relevant exhibitions.
• Evaluate the potential challenges faced by museums when adopting the principles of new museology in their operations.
  • While adopting new museology principles offers many benefits, museums may encounter several challenges in this transition. These can include resistance from traditional stakeholders who may be skeptical about changing long-established practices. Additionally, there might be resource constraints that limit a museum's ability to engage fully with communities or implement new programs. Balancing the need for accountability in representation while managing institutional goals can also be complex, requiring careful navigation to ensure that all voices are valued without compromising the museum's integrity.

Related terms

Social Justice: A concept that advocates for fair and just relations between individuals and society, focusing on issues like equity, access, and participation.

Community Engagement: The process of involving community members in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of museum programs and exhibits to ensure relevance and inclusivity.

Curation: The process of selecting, organizing, and presenting artifacts or artworks in a way that tells a coherent story or communicates specific themes.