Museums and Political Democratization in Tunisia

Abstract

This article explores the role of museums in the democratization process using the case of Tunisia. Using several case studies, including the Bardo museum, I illustrate the ways in which museums have been seized upon to shape a new democratic culture of citizenship marked by freedom of expression and civic engagement. It argues that museums, like traditional political institutions such as referendums and parliaments, can act as operators and generators of democracy. The findings highlight both the potential and challenges faced by museums in this transformative role, shedding light on their significance in post-revolution Tunisia, beyond their traditional functions of cultural repositories.