Reflecting on Museums Knowledge for Clark University CMLT 210

Reflecting on CMLT 210: The History & Politics of Modern Museums class I took this Spring 2024 semester at Clark University, I find myself deeply enriched and transformed in my understanding and perceptions of museums as more than keepers of culture, but also powerful tools for historical and political expression. This course has opened my eyes to the complex connections between the collection, curation, and presentation of artifacts within these institutions and their broader cultural and national narratives.

Our exploration began with the evolution of museums from the early Wunderkammer–cabinets of curiosities–which were private collections of rare and eclectic items, and their evolution into the grand national museums of the 19th century, designed not only to educate but also to build a sense of national identity and pride. It was fascinating to learn how these institutions reflected the political ambitions and social ideologies of their times–often aiding nationalistic or colonialist agendas– and to draw the connections to how they continue to be used to serve similar purposes today.

One of the most enlightening aspects of the course was our study of the architecture and physical placement of museums, which are often as revealing as the exhibits they contain. The location of a museum, its architectural style, and its interaction with the surrounding environment can influence how visitors perceive and interact with the collections. This spatial context adds layers of meaning to the exhibits, subtly guiding the narrative that the museum seeks to convey whether for social influence of the public or nation-building for the state.

Our readings, especially Thomas Bernhard’s Old Masters, Tony Bennett’s The Birth of The Museum, and Carol Duncan’s Civilizing Rituals provided a critical lens through which to view the role of museums in shaping and reflecting cultural values. Bernhard's work, with its sharp commentary on art and cultural criticism, reflected and carried into many of our discussions in class on how museums can both preserve and manipulate cultural heritage. The novel and other complementary assigned readings prompted us to think critically about who decides what is worthy of preservation and display, and how these decisions shape our understanding of culture and history. Similarly, both Bennett and Duncan prompted discussions about the roots of the museum and foundational values that have carried over, and can still be recognized in the missions, actions, and collections of institutions today.

Through various case studies, particularly an in-depth look at Germany’s museum spaces throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, we examined how museums have been influenced by historical events like colonialism and war and how they have responded to ethical challenges in curation and collection practices. This historical trajectory highlighted the role museums often have in both upholding and challenging prevailing power structures and cultural norms.

In taking the course, I feel I have bettered my ability to engage in cultural and philosophical debates about the role of museums in society today. After spending my childhood and year studying abroad visiting many museums and being fascinated by what leads to the collections within, I have long been interested in the discussions around ethical curation and representation of marginalized communities. Taking this course I have learned about the greater context of the institutions and scholarly insights into the popular debates to better frame my understanding and analysis of the museums I will visit from now on and the exhibits I see.

Overall, this course has profoundly influenced my perception of museums, transforming them in my eyes from mere collections of artifacts to evolving spaces actively engaged in the construction and contestation of cultural knowledge. As I continue to visit museums, I now find myself analyzing not just the artifacts displayed but also the underlying narratives and assumptions shaping these exhibits. This deeper awareness enriches my visits, making them not only more educational but also more personally meaningful.