Globalisation, culture and museums: A review of theory

The cultural dimensions of globalisation will have, indeed are already having, a profound impact on the rationale of museums and on their everyday operations. Large questions about globalisation, cultural domination or assimilation, and the survival of cultural diversity affect museums' policies for collection and exhibition. The deterritorialisation of the nation-state challenges the status of national museums, yet it is notable that national museums have never been stronger. The expressive possibilities of museums' multiculture, now increasingly available on-line via new communications technologies, appear to herald a major new purpose and strength for museums. It is therefore critical for museum workers to consider globalisation beyond its economic and political parameters. © 1999 Intellect Ltd.