Book Review: Daniel H. Weiss, Why the Museum Matters
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29311/mas.v21i2.4407Keywords:
challenges, responsibilities, museums, United States, history, encyclopedic art museums, community-building, idea generation, art preservation, nonprofit institutions, evolution of art, role in society, expectations, cancel culture, support, transparencyAbstract
"Why the Museum Matters" by Daniel H. Weiss is a captivating exploration of the challenges and responsibilities faced by museums, with a particular focus on those in the United States. It provides a selective history of art museums, highlighting their cultural significance throughout time. The book delves into the diverse roles of museums today and their evolving mission for future generations. It examines the essence of encyclopedic museums and their inherent limitations, emphasizing education, community-building, idea generation, and art preservation as their primary objectives. Addressing the struggles of nonprofit institutions, the book recognizes museums as dynamic spaces that actively engage with the world, offering valuable insights into society and history. With its unique perspectives on museum history and the present-day relevance of these institutions, "Why the Museum Matters" is an essential read for anyone interested in the profound interplay between art and society.
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Published
07/24/2023
How to Cite
Samolik, S. M. (2023). Book Review: Daniel H. Weiss, Why the Museum Matters. Museum & Society, 21(2), 72–73. https://doi.org/10.29311/mas.v21i2.4407
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Section
Book Reviews
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Copyright remains with the author(s) of the article. This article can be re-used according to the terms of the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence.