Rise of Museums explores the fascinating evolution of museums from private collections to influential cultural institutions, revealing how they reflect shifting social values and power dynamics. Early museums arose from Renaissance-era cabinets of curiosities and Enlightenment-era scientific societies. They were fueled by a desire to classify the natural world and showcase personal wealth, eventually laying the groundwork for the public museums we know today.
The book analyzes the modern museum's development in the 19th and 20th centuries, shaped by nationalism, colonialism, and industrialization. Museums became tools for nation-building, vehicles for asserting cultural dominance, and spaces for public education.
It addresses contemporary challenges such as repatriation and digital engagement, examining how museums adapt to changing demographics and grapple with colonial legacies. Structured around three core themes, Rise of Museums traces the trajectory of these cultural institutions while critically exploring the social, political, and economic forces that shaped them. Using a range of primary and secondary sources, including museum archives and exhibition reviews, this book provides a balanced account of the complex history, highlighting both achievements and shortcomings across its chapters.
