Transformative Changes in Museums: Modern Roles and Impacts

Museums have undergone significant transformations in recent years, adapting to the evolving needs and perspectives of contemporary societies. These changes have been driven by a recognition that artifacts, religious icons, art, and human remains should be treated with sensitivity and respect, particularly when belonging to specific cultural groups.

The Shift in Artifact Display Practices

The central theme of these transformations is the realization that it is unethical to display artifacts, religious icons, art, and human remains from a specific culture without understanding the impact on the descendants of that culture. The return of human bones, religious items, and art taken by force or theft has become a significant movement in museums globally. This shift emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and respecting the actual beliefs and practices of the culture represented.

This change in practice is grounded in the principle that such displays should involve communication with the descendants of the culture. Museums are working to engage with communities, including the decedents, to ensure that exhibitions are sensitive and respectful.

The Emergence of Temporary Exhibitions

Another pivotal change in the role of museums is the rise of temporary exhibitions. In the early days, museums were largely static institutions with permanent collections. However, the introduction of temporary exhibitions has dramatically transformed the museum landscape. Prior to the 1960s, museums like the Victoria and Albert Museum in London rarely changed their exhibitions, and visitors knew where to find their favorite objects year after year. This tradition gave way to the excitement of temporary shows, such as the Picasso exhibition in 1960 and the Pop Art exhibition in 1968.

The popularity of temporary exhibitions has driven museums to become more dynamic and engaging. Museums have learned that rotating and changing exhibitions can significantly increase visitation and membership. No longer limited to being visited by an educated elite, museums have become a primary source of informal education for a broader audience.

Inclusion of Minority Art and Histories

The growth of temporary exhibitions has also led to a greater inclusion of the art and history of minorities within societies. This shift has allowed museums to explore diverse themes and to highlight the contributions of different cultural groups. For instance, the Civil Rights movement in the United States led to a renewed interest in Black history, with items from slavery times, cornet and jazz bands, and major collections of African art gaining new significance. Feminist movements and LGBTQ activism have also contributed to the recognition of women artists and women's history, as well as the diverse history of Latin communities.

This trend has led to a more open and inclusive discourse in museums, addressing complex topics such as conquest, race, and gender. While there is still a long way to go, the recognition of multiculturalism has spread to other continents, reflecting the global diversity of populations and their shared histories.

Professionalization of Museum Staff

Paralleling these changes, there has been a significant professionalization of museum staff. Historically, museums were seen as gentlemen's professions with little financial compensation. However, as the role of museums has evolved, so too has the demand for highly qualified professionals. Modern curators are expected to have a deep understanding of their subjects, to be adaptable to changing societal practices, and to be well-compensated for their expertise.

The American Alliance of Museums has played a crucial role in promoting these changes through accreditation. Accreditation now not only evaluates a museum's physical and operational excellence but also ensures that staff are well-qualified and that sufficient resources are dedicated to program staff such as curators, installers, educators, and more.

Overall, these changes reflect a maturation of the museum as an institution, one that is more attuned to the evolving needs and perspectives of contemporary society. By incorporating cultural sensitivity, embracing diversity, and professionalizing their staff, museums are becoming more relevant and engaging than ever before.

Further Readings

To learn more about the ongoing commitment to diversity in museums, you may want to read the American Alliance of Museums' Commitment to Diversity.