Museums in Postcolonial Europe

This book examines the role of museums in shaping European identity, focusing on contemporary debates in postcolonial contexts. Museums in Postcolonial Europe provides critical insights into these transformations.

The history of European nation-building and identity formation is deeply intertwined with museums. Museums in Postcolonial Europe explores the contemporary debates surrounding these institutions and their collections in the context of postcolonial Europe. It delves into how museums have historically been used to display the spoils of colonialism, acting as symbols of geopolitical power that garnered public support for expansionist agendas.

Despite the lack of a unified perspective on the European colonial experience, the decolonization process has prompted a critical examination of museums' roles. Ethnic minorities and immigrant communities have increasingly demanded better representation within the narratives of European nation-states. This demand has led to a reassessment of museological practices, highlighting the need for museums to adapt to the changing socio-political landscape of postcolonial Europe. The book emphasizes the refurbishment of colonial-era museums and the establishment of new spaces that reflect the contemporary significance of these institutions.

Contributions from leading experts offer a comparative, trans-historical, and transcolonial examination of European museums. Museums in Postcolonial Europe contextualizes and reinterprets the legacies and experiences associated with these institutions, shedding light on the evolving role of museums in society and their potential to foster a more inclusive narrative of European history.