Dynamics of Museum Interpretation Cover Image

Динамика на музейната интерпретация
Dynamics of Museum Interpretation

Author(s): Iveta Pirgova
Subject(s): Anthropology, Social Sciences, Museology & Heritage Studies, Customs / Folklore, Library and Information Science, Cultural Anthropology / Ethnology, Culture and social structure
Published by: Институт за етнология и фолклористика с Етнографски музей при БАН
Keywords: museum participation; museum interpretation; museum communities; museum education; museum communication

Summary/Abstract: This research is inspired by the practice of U.S. based museums, whose main mission is to interpret the cultural heritage and living traditions of various cultural communities for different types of audiences. The author studies different methods and forms of museum interpretation as well as possible strategies for their applications in the museum practice. Modifications of interpretative methods are considered integral part of the gradually transformed perceptions of the museums’ role in the contemporary societies, their orientation towards more meaningful communication with their partners, local communities, artists and visitors as well as their strive for a more comprehensive presentation of the museum content in context. The article is structured around several main topics: 1. Interpretation in the museum Dialogue, 2. Principles and Forms of the Museum Interpretation, and3. Polyphony of the Museum Interpretation. The last topic provides an opportunity fora further discussion on the co-existence of “voices“ that are heard in the museum and that contribute in various ways to the specific nature of the museum communication: a. the voice of the museum experts, b. the voice of the cultural communities, c. the voice of artists, and d. the voice of visitors. The author examines certain changes in the characteristics of the museum dialogue when one or the other of these voices dominates, when they are in harmony as part of an enhanced interpretation of museum exhibitions and programs or when they are in dissonance – as part of alternative, even conflicting interpretations of objects or activities. The article also offers arguments clarifying the leading role of the exhibition themes and narratives in shaping the museum dialogue. It also provides considerations for the need of more active engagement of artists, visitors, cultural communities and institutional partners in the creation of unique museum experiences and for the establishment of the museum as an institution that is relevant to the people who enter its halls.

  • Issue Year: 2020
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 341-366
  • Page Count: 26
  • Language: Bulgarian