Decolonizing German and European History at the Museum

The Museum is exploring European museums' efforts to investigate colonialism, confront its presence, and urge repair, with exhibitions posing the question of what Europeans owe to those they colonized. It also treats the museum as part of the racialized power relations that have long been protested by activists, academics, and artists, asking if museums have made the dream of activists, academics, and artists to build equitable futures more acceptable and durable.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 312 pages
\n Publication date: 06 December 2021
\n Publisher: The University of Michigan Press
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Decolonizing German and European History at the Museum delves into the compelling efforts of European museums to confront the legacy of colonialism as an unacknowledged part of their past, acknowledge its ongoing presence, and advocate for reconciliation. Over the past decade, a surge of exhibitions and significant renovations within numerous prominent museums have marked the emergence of a burgeoning colonial memory culture, reaching a wider audience. These exhibitions raise crucial questions about the responsibilities that Europeans owe to the communities they colonized.

In addition to examining the historical narratives presented in museums, Decolonizing German and European History at the Museum also sheds light on how these institutions can serve as spaces for mourning and reflection on the tragic consequences of historic violence. By acknowledging the ongoing impacts of colonialism, museums can help visitors process and understand the complex legacies of colonialism.

Furthermore, the book recognizes the museum as a perpetrator of racialized power relations, which have long been a subject of protest by activists, scholars, and artists. It explores the ways in which museums can contribute to perpetuating or challenging these power dynamics, and whether they can effectively support the goals of activists, academics, and artists in building more equitable and sustainable futures.

Through its comprehensive analysis, Decolonizing German and European History at the Museum offers valuable insights into the complex challenges and opportunities facing museums in the era of decolonization. It prompts us to critically evaluate the ways in which museums present and interpret history, and to consider how they can contribute to a more inclusive and just society.

\n Weight: 674g\n
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 23 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780472055104\n \n