Making City Histories in Museums

Book excerpt: Museums are city phenomenon, one element within a suite of cultural institutions which most major urban centres support. However, museums now have a very different agenda from the time of their establishment in the nineteenth century. While the majority of cities have museums dedicated to exploring the city itself, the approach and range of interests vary enormously. What these museums have in common is a commitment to construct or propose an appropriate image of the city which can be engaged with by a broad spectrum of people. The contributors consider the making of city histories from very different perspectives and within a number of theoretical frameworks. They use case studies and comparisons of practice. In particular, good practice is highlighted and potential ways forward explored.