Museums in Motion
An Introduction to the History and Functions of Museums
By (author) Edward P. Alexander, Mary Alexander, Juilee Decker
Not available to order
Publication date:
23 February 2017Length of book:
390 pagesPublisher
Rowman & Littlefield PublishersISBN-13: 9781442278813
Here is a complete introduction to the history of museums, types of museums, and the key roles that museums play in the twenty-first century.
Following an introductory chapter looking at what a museum is today, Part I looks at the history and types of museums:
art and design museums
natural history and anthropology museums
science museums
history museums, historic houses, interpretation centers, and heritage sites
botanical gardens and zoos
children’s museums
The second part of the book explores the primary functions of museums and museum professionals:
to collect
to conserve
to exhibit
to interpret and to engage
to serve and to act
The final chapter looks at the museum profession and professional practices. Throughout, emphasis is on museums in the United States, although attention is paid to the historical framing of museums within the European context.
The new edition includes discussions of technology, access, and inclusivity woven into each chapter, a list of challenges and opportunities in each chapter, and “Museums in Motion Today,” vignettes spread throughout the volume in which museum professionals provide their perspectives on where museums are now and where they are going. More than 140 images illustrate the volume.
Following an introductory chapter looking at what a museum is today, Part I looks at the history and types of museums:
art and design museums
natural history and anthropology museums
science museums
history museums, historic houses, interpretation centers, and heritage sites
botanical gardens and zoos
children’s museums
The second part of the book explores the primary functions of museums and museum professionals:
to collect
to conserve
to exhibit
to interpret and to engage
to serve and to act
The final chapter looks at the museum profession and professional practices. Throughout, emphasis is on museums in the United States, although attention is paid to the historical framing of museums within the European context.
The new edition includes discussions of technology, access, and inclusivity woven into each chapter, a list of challenges and opportunities in each chapter, and “Museums in Motion Today,” vignettes spread throughout the volume in which museum professionals provide their perspectives on where museums are now and where they are going. More than 140 images illustrate the volume.
Museums in Motion is a core text for museum and curatorial studies courses and a valuable resource for anyone in the museum profession. The inclusion of provocative and inspiring reports on contemporary practice provides special value.