Written over a thirty-five year career; the essays in Civilizing the Museum introduce students to the powerful; sometimes contested; and often unrealized notion that museums should welcome all because they house the collective memory of all.Drawing on her experience working in and with museums in the US and throughout the world; Author Elaine Heumann Gurian explores the possibilities for making museums more central and relevant to society.The twenty-two essays are organized around five main themes:* museum definitions* civic responsibility and social service* architectural spaces* exhibitions* spirituality and rationality.And these themes address the elements that would make museums more inclusive such as:* exhibition technique* space configurations* the personality of the director* the role of social service* power sharing* types of museums* the need for emotion humour and spirituality.Without abandoning the traditional museum processes; Gurian shows how museums can honour tradition whilst embracing the new.Enriched by her experience in groundbreaking museums; Gurian has provided a book that provokes thought; dialogue and action for students and professionals in the field to realize the inclusive potential of museums.
#625827 in eBooks 2006-05-17 2006-05-17File Name: B000OI0HZQ
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Buy this book if you are a Rome buff.By Retired NurseI am about half way through this book right now. I love it. My husband and I are planning a Rome trip one of these days along with another couple. This book will be required reading before we go. The writing is pleasant. Ofttimes; it is difficult to turn non-fiction and history into a engaging story. This book does it. The author talks about each Pope as if he was that Popes confidant. I enthusiastically recommend this book for anyone who is traveling to Rome and wants background information; history buffs; or ones who are interested in how a city evolves over time.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This Story of the Most Beautiful BuildingBy SlugoWhen I visited St Peters its beauty and grandeur captivated me. I left needing to understand the origins of this most beautiful of buildings and reading this book was the start of that journey. As I read of Bramante; Pope Julius; Raphael and Michelangelo and all the others I came to understand this building as the embodiment of mans search for epic greatness. This book discusses the builders in human terms as men of strengths and weaknesses; talents and ambitions; foibles and frailties; and focuses on how they brought their talents to produce this remarkable work of art. This book is a great read and a remarkable history.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This is a very good history on StBy GmacThis is a very good history on St. Peters Basilica in Rome. I will be reading this one several times.