Museums in a Global Context

Most museum visitors can see how national character is reflected in the museum's layout and collection. This title looks at the way globalization has shaped museum culture, and in turn how museums have shaped the public's understanding of various local, regional, and national identities. Museums reflect a nation's character, as well as define it. Museums around the world have been shaped by globalization, and in turn have shaped a global public's understanding of local, regional, or national identity. Essayists consider the politics of museum interpretation in the global context, issues of cultural patrimony and heritage tourism, the risks of crossing boundaries and borders to present controversial subjects, and strategies for engaging audiences and communities. International case studies from Germany, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, South Africa, Niger, and Vietnam underscore the common motives and sensibilities, as well as the challenges, of the world's museums in their efforts to educate and inspire.