Museum as a Political Instrument: Post-Soviet Memories and Conflicts

Contemporary museums use architectural and exhibition design to question history, memory, national identity, and alternative perceptions of the past, posing theoretical questions about the impact of national political discourse and the instrumentalization of design in Russian museology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 25 November 2021
Publisher: LetteraVentidue Edizioni srl

The remembrance and commemoration of traumatic histories are central concerns in today's international museological practice. Contemporary museums employ architectural and exhibition design to raise thought-provoking questions about history, memory, national identity, and alternative perspectives on the past. In this essay, we explore theoretical questions regarding the influence of national political discourse on the commemoration of challenging and contentious pasts, as well as the top-down instrumentalization of architectural and exhibition design in contemporary Russian museological practice.

Architectural and exhibition design play a crucial role in shaping the way we remember and commemorate historical events. Museums, as cultural institutions, have the power to influence public perception and understanding of the past. By designing their spaces and exhibitions, museums can create narratives that shape how individuals interpret and remember historical events.

In the context of contemporary Russian museology, the impact of national political discourse on the commemoration of difficult and contentious pasts is particularly significant. Russia has a complex history marked by political turmoil, war, and repression. Museums in Russia have been tasked with addressing this complex history and promoting a sense of national identity and unity.

However, the process of commemorating difficult and contentious pasts can be fraught with challenges. National political discourse can influence the way historical events are portrayed and interpreted, leading to selective or biased representations of the past. This can perpetuate historical myths and misconceptions and hinder the process of reconciliation and healing.

Furthermore, architectural and exhibition design can be instrumentalized in the realm of contemporary Russian museology to promote certain political agendas or ideologies. Museums may use their spaces and exhibitions to showcase certain narratives or perspectives, while marginalizing or ignoring others. This can create a sense of polarization and division within society, further hindering the process of reconciliation and healing.

To address these challenges, it is important for museums to be independent and accountable for their work. Museums should strive to promote a nuanced and inclusive understanding of the past, and to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including historians, activists, and the general public. Museums should also be aware of the power of their designs and the potential impact they can have on public perception and understanding of the past.

In conclusion, the remembrance and commemoration of traumatic histories are central concerns in today's international museological practice. Contemporary museums employ architectural and exhibition design to raise thought-provoking questions about history, memory, national identity, and alternative perspectives on the past. However, the process of commemorating difficult and contentious pasts can be influenced by national political discourse and instrumentalized by architectural and exhibition design. To address these challenges, museums must be independent and accountable for their work, promote a nuanced and inclusive understanding of the past, and engage with a wide range of stakeholders. By doing so, museums can play a vital role in promoting reconciliation and healing in society.

Weight: 140g
Dimension: 165 x 120 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788862425445