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The Museum: From its Origins to the 21st Century
Visited by millions around the world every year, discover the untold story of The Museum, one of mankind’s most essential creations.
Using examples of the greatest cultural institutions to shape the narrative, this book outlines the history of the museum movement, tracking the evolution from princely collections in Europe and the Enlightenment’s classically inspired temples of curiosities, via the public museums of the late nineteenth century, on to today’s global era oficonic buildings designed by the world’s leading architects.
Over the course of five chapters filled with stunning imagery that highlights the beauty of these venerated buildings, the origins of key institutions are revealed, including:
Louvre
Metropolitan Museum of Art
British Museum
Tate Modern
Hermitage
Guggenheim
Smithsonian Institute
Acropolis Museum
Also outlined are the motivations of the architects, curators and patrons who have shaped how we experience the modern museum, a cast that includes names such as King George II, Napoleon, Henry Clay Frick, Peggy Guggenheim, Andrew Carnegie, Alfred Barr, Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Courbusier, Frank Gehry, Richard Rogers, Nicholas Serota and Zaha Hadid.
By examining how these venues became intrinsic to our shared cultural experience, analysing the changing roles they play in society and questioning what the future holds in a digital age, this book is for anyone who has stood in awe at the spectacle of a museum.
Using examples of the greatest cultural institutions to shape the narrative, this book outlines the history of the museum movement, tracking the evolution from princely collections in Europe and the Enlightenment’s classically inspired temples of curiosities, via the public museums of the late nineteenth century, on to today’s global era oficonic buildings designed by the world’s leading architects.
Over the course of five chapters filled with stunning imagery that highlights the beauty of these venerated buildings, the origins of key institutions are revealed, including:
Louvre
Metropolitan Museum of Art
British Museum
Tate Modern
Hermitage
Guggenheim
Smithsonian Institute
Acropolis Museum
Also outlined are the motivations of the architects, curators and patrons who have shaped how we experience the modern museum, a cast that includes names such as King George II, Napoleon, Henry Clay Frick, Peggy Guggenheim, Andrew Carnegie, Alfred Barr, Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Courbusier, Frank Gehry, Richard Rogers, Nicholas Serota and Zaha Hadid.
By examining how these venues became intrinsic to our shared cultural experience, analysing the changing roles they play in society and questioning what the future holds in a digital age, this book is for anyone who has stood in awe at the spectacle of a museum.
- GenresHistoryNonfictionArt
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 21, 2022
11 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 10, 2021
This book proved a fascinating look at museums--both historical and present-day! I learned so much, and especially enjoyed seeing then-and-now pictures of museums I've visited, documenting how they've changed over the years. The extensive commentary provided plenty of insight into the whys and wherefores, as well.
As the covid pandemic continues, so does my appreciation for books such as this one, which acknowledge the weird/crazy/abnormal (I don't want to include the overused "u" word, lol) times we live in--and also remind us of what has been, and what will be again. It's all too easy to get pandemic-induced tunnel vision and forget what life looked like outside covid; as I look ahead to the future and consider how I want my own life to look afterwards, this read provided surprising insight into that inner dialogue.
I also enjoyed seeing pictures of museums I'm unlikely to visit in person (even pandemic aside); while the interest level (or travel advisories) may preclude a "live" visit, I can still learn from reading about them! (Plus, how cool is it that Nashville has a Parthenon replica with a 42-foot statue of Athena?! I had no idea--and would love to see it!)
The last section of the book provides a thought-provoking read on colonialism and repatriation. Certainly there isn't a quick, easy, or "pat" solution/response, nor is this section comprehensive in its examination of either. Channeling George Santayana (a Spanish philosopher) and Winston Churchill: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” and “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” These quotes drive me and, I hope, others in the dialogue.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
As the covid pandemic continues, so does my appreciation for books such as this one, which acknowledge the weird/crazy/abnormal (I don't want to include the overused "u" word, lol) times we live in--and also remind us of what has been, and what will be again. It's all too easy to get pandemic-induced tunnel vision and forget what life looked like outside covid; as I look ahead to the future and consider how I want my own life to look afterwards, this read provided surprising insight into that inner dialogue.
I also enjoyed seeing pictures of museums I'm unlikely to visit in person (even pandemic aside); while the interest level (or travel advisories) may preclude a "live" visit, I can still learn from reading about them! (Plus, how cool is it that Nashville has a Parthenon replica with a 42-foot statue of Athena?! I had no idea--and would love to see it!)
The last section of the book provides a thought-provoking read on colonialism and repatriation. Certainly there isn't a quick, easy, or "pat" solution/response, nor is this section comprehensive in its examination of either. Channeling George Santayana (a Spanish philosopher) and Winston Churchill: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” and “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” These quotes drive me and, I hope, others in the dialogue.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 20, 2021
I am a firm supporter and lover of museums. I have planned entire vacations around getting to certain museums. And in my travels I've stumbled fabulous ones I didn't know existed. This book celebrates museums. The photos are fabulous and although they are plentiful I still would gladly have welcomed more. The book is broken into sections covering: Origins; Enlightenment Museum, Public Museum, Modern Museum, and the Museum Now. Some museums are filled with what once were the royal treasures while other started as collections of curiosities gathered by those that had the money and interest. The Smithsonian in the US was planned to collect and celebrate America. The book takes time to explain the differences in the museums and what they reflect. It doesn't shy away from controversies such as collections that come from colonialism, or as a result of spoils of war. The controversies of repatriation are discussed too. There is a primary focus on Europe but in the later sections it adds museums from North America, South America and Asia. I have been to most of the museums featured in the USA and Europe and look forward to future travels when I hope to get to museums on other continents. This is not a travel guide and it doesn't promote specific museums. But instead uses select museums or their collections as part of topics under discussion. I like that the book talks about displays, curation and purpose which is as important as the collections themselves. I think if I had one criticism it is that the writing is very intellectual and may be difficult for a casual reader. This is a great coffee table book and again the photos are the stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group - White Lion for a temporary eARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2021
This beautiful book transports the reader to crowd-free/reduced-crowd locations that will inspire you to visit remarkable museums, castles, and archeological sites around the world from the comfort of your reading nook. ‘The Museum’ explores the intricacies of museums, such as acquiring antiquities and plunder, as well as the preservation of priceless works of art during the world wars, and topics on repatriation, proving that beauty is rarely conflict-free.
January 1, 2022
Museums are very dear to me. If I had the means, I’d spend the rest of my life traveling abroad and visiting art installations–there’s so much beauty in the world I’d like to see first-hand! Until someone delivers a truck full of money to my doorstep, though, traveling via books will have to do.
That’s why I’m glad publishers like Quarto exist 😀
[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]
That’s why I’m glad publishers like Quarto exist 😀
[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]
November 3, 2025
This book has wonderful photos of some of the world’s major (and minor) museums.
It details the rise of museums through the 18th and 19th centuries when collections were removed from owners and Royalty, and then displayed for the public to view. To some extent, as the author points out, this was to elevate the cultural awareness and education of the masses.
The museum became “modern” in the 20th century with the building of more and more of them – more so in the United States, which has more museums, some 35,000, than any other country (page 17). When the Japanese economy was booming in the 1970s and 1980s, Japan starting adding new museums, reflecting the impact of wealthy collectors.
Also, museums are seen as adding vibrancy and revenue to economically devastated cities. This has occurred in the U.S. and the U.K. in struggling communities where the addition of a museum hopefully provides some needed improvement.
Overall, I was disappointed in this book. I felt the title was a misnomer; it should have been more like “The Architecture of Museums”. The author over and over cites architects and structures of the museum, without giving us the contents of the museum. Thus, we know little of the theme and what is inside the museum, or its fundamental purpose.
There is also an over-emphasis on museums in the U.K.; but the Imperial War Museum in London is not mentioned. Very little is on museums in South America – and Mexico, which has contributed much that is unique to the world’s art, is not brought up!
The Musée d’Orsay in Paris is completely ignored. This is a glaring omission, as it is an outstanding museum by any world standard.
The American Museum of Natural History in New York City, with all its hundreds of remarkable dioramas of nature and animals, only gets a few lines.
Here are a couple of examples:
Another ignored and unique museum, which is completely outdoors in the Catskills of New York State, is Storm King Art Center.
Here are a couple of examples:
The writing style, at times, was irritating and elongated with purple prose.
It details the rise of museums through the 18th and 19th centuries when collections were removed from owners and Royalty, and then displayed for the public to view. To some extent, as the author points out, this was to elevate the cultural awareness and education of the masses.
The museum became “modern” in the 20th century with the building of more and more of them – more so in the United States, which has more museums, some 35,000, than any other country (page 17). When the Japanese economy was booming in the 1970s and 1980s, Japan starting adding new museums, reflecting the impact of wealthy collectors.
Also, museums are seen as adding vibrancy and revenue to economically devastated cities. This has occurred in the U.S. and the U.K. in struggling communities where the addition of a museum hopefully provides some needed improvement.
Overall, I was disappointed in this book. I felt the title was a misnomer; it should have been more like “The Architecture of Museums”. The author over and over cites architects and structures of the museum, without giving us the contents of the museum. Thus, we know little of the theme and what is inside the museum, or its fundamental purpose.
There is also an over-emphasis on museums in the U.K.; but the Imperial War Museum in London is not mentioned. Very little is on museums in South America – and Mexico, which has contributed much that is unique to the world’s art, is not brought up!
The Musée d’Orsay in Paris is completely ignored. This is a glaring omission, as it is an outstanding museum by any world standard.
The American Museum of Natural History in New York City, with all its hundreds of remarkable dioramas of nature and animals, only gets a few lines.
Here are a couple of examples:
Another ignored and unique museum, which is completely outdoors in the Catskills of New York State, is Storm King Art Center.
Here are a couple of examples:
The writing style, at times, was irritating and elongated with purple prose.
November 20, 2021
The Museum: The history and architecture of the world's most iconic cultural spaces by Owen Hopkins is an informative and wonderfully illustrated coffee table book that offers a bit more food for thought than many such books do.
As a history of the idea(s) of a museum through the various stages of both appropriation and construction Hopkins offers a nice broad history by focusing largely on the major institutions. This approach actually works very well, it touches on how and why items come into the museums, the design and construction of the buildings and exhibit spaces themselves, as well as the more recent movements to "decolonize" the museums.
As to be expected, only so much can be covered in a reasonable size book, so some wonderful institutions and stories have been omitted or touched on only briefly. This by no means is a weakness since trying to include too much would have kept Hopkins from getting a little deeper into the hows and whys of the broader changes over history.
would als recommend a couple of other books I have read recently as nice companions to this, though there are no doubt many others. For those in the US there is a new book from NYU Press titled The Museum: A Short History of Crisis and Resilience by Samuel J Redman. It concentrates on the major institutions in the US from the early 20th century to now. For those curious about the ongoing debate/discussion about the role of the encyclopedic museum in contemporary society, I'd recommend Under Discussion: The Encyclopedic Museum edited by Donatien Grau. It consists of conversations with museum administrators, leaders, architects, artists, critics, and journalists. The ideas expressed are wide ranging and present a nice look at where we are, where we might be going, and the many difficulties involved.
In suggesting those other books, I do not think this volume should be overlooked. In some ways this work serves as a great foundation to better understand the historical aspects of the current debates. So I highly recommend this book, probably ideally before reading the others, as a way to both grasp the personal histories of some of the museums as well as place everything in a nice context both chronologically and philosophically.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
As a history of the idea(s) of a museum through the various stages of both appropriation and construction Hopkins offers a nice broad history by focusing largely on the major institutions. This approach actually works very well, it touches on how and why items come into the museums, the design and construction of the buildings and exhibit spaces themselves, as well as the more recent movements to "decolonize" the museums.
As to be expected, only so much can be covered in a reasonable size book, so some wonderful institutions and stories have been omitted or touched on only briefly. This by no means is a weakness since trying to include too much would have kept Hopkins from getting a little deeper into the hows and whys of the broader changes over history.
would als recommend a couple of other books I have read recently as nice companions to this, though there are no doubt many others. For those in the US there is a new book from NYU Press titled The Museum: A Short History of Crisis and Resilience by Samuel J Redman. It concentrates on the major institutions in the US from the early 20th century to now. For those curious about the ongoing debate/discussion about the role of the encyclopedic museum in contemporary society, I'd recommend Under Discussion: The Encyclopedic Museum edited by Donatien Grau. It consists of conversations with museum administrators, leaders, architects, artists, critics, and journalists. The ideas expressed are wide ranging and present a nice look at where we are, where we might be going, and the many difficulties involved.
In suggesting those other books, I do not think this volume should be overlooked. In some ways this work serves as a great foundation to better understand the historical aspects of the current debates. So I highly recommend this book, probably ideally before reading the others, as a way to both grasp the personal histories of some of the museums as well as place everything in a nice context both chronologically and philosophically.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
December 16, 2021
I received a Free digital version of this book via NetGalley.
Owen Hopkins' The Museum: From its Origins to the 21st Century lives up to the mission statement of the title. Beginning with a chapter framing the topic, Hopkins splits the book into six chapters. Each one looks at a different chronological era and that era's conception of the museum as it related to society. It is a story of privilege and wealth and how that origin still inhibits usage. While not exploring the topic in depth, this work provides an excellent summary and survey of the history and challenges of museums in the modern world.
Two particular strengths of the work are the copious images to supplement important references in the narrative and that Hopkins does take time to consider the global history and criticisms of the ways collections were built and interpreted. The latter has become a major issue that has been the rallying point of activists to return objects to their native countries, to be more equitable in discourse and to increase access. As the book was just released, some thought has been given to the added challenge of post COVID life. I would expect much more to be written on this particular topic.
The only note of complaint I have, is the author's occasional change of tone. For much of the work Hopkins speaks with an open and informative voice. However, there were times were Hopkins stated assertions or asides that I found jarring or flatfooted. For example on page 14, after describing that museums as "the essential institution" he states that "We can imagine a world without libraries, for example, in fact we are quite possibly entering one, but it is impossible to imagine a world without museums." As one who works in the library industry, I know I am biased in my viewpoint, but I feel that this assertion is negated by many points in Hopkins own narrative. In latter chapters he points out that museums have been future focused; preserving and interpreting materials for the future, how does that differ from the mission of a library with special collections or an archive, to say nothing of the Internet Archive a fully virtual library.
Owen Hopkins' The Museum: From its Origins to the 21st Century lives up to the mission statement of the title. Beginning with a chapter framing the topic, Hopkins splits the book into six chapters. Each one looks at a different chronological era and that era's conception of the museum as it related to society. It is a story of privilege and wealth and how that origin still inhibits usage. While not exploring the topic in depth, this work provides an excellent summary and survey of the history and challenges of museums in the modern world.
Two particular strengths of the work are the copious images to supplement important references in the narrative and that Hopkins does take time to consider the global history and criticisms of the ways collections were built and interpreted. The latter has become a major issue that has been the rallying point of activists to return objects to their native countries, to be more equitable in discourse and to increase access. As the book was just released, some thought has been given to the added challenge of post COVID life. I would expect much more to be written on this particular topic.
The only note of complaint I have, is the author's occasional change of tone. For much of the work Hopkins speaks with an open and informative voice. However, there were times were Hopkins stated assertions or asides that I found jarring or flatfooted. For example on page 14, after describing that museums as "the essential institution" he states that "We can imagine a world without libraries, for example, in fact we are quite possibly entering one, but it is impossible to imagine a world without museums." As one who works in the library industry, I know I am biased in my viewpoint, but I feel that this assertion is negated by many points in Hopkins own narrative. In latter chapters he points out that museums have been future focused; preserving and interpreting materials for the future, how does that differ from the mission of a library with special collections or an archive, to say nothing of the Internet Archive a fully virtual library.
November 9, 2021
The Museum is a remarkably immersive experience, very enjoyable and informative. Photographs and prints cannot get more stunning than those contained here, so life like and glossy. Museums in various forms throughout history have been created and curated as people such as Pliny recognized the importance of cataloguing and labeling collections. These collections eventually became what is known today as museums, housed for various reasons including education and storing valuables. Museums are not only art collections but contain curiosities, relics, reliquaries, rarities and gems. Amongst the most unusual I have been to are the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb and a local display of animal oddities.
Author Owen Hopkins highlights the origin of the word "museum", the Enlightenment Gallery, Elgin Marbles and history of well-known museums (Capitoline and Vatican Museums in Rome, the Library of Alexandria in Egypt, Metro Museum of Art in America, Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, the Iraq Museum, etc.). He describes treasuries and pilgrimages, natural vs. man-made contents, inception of public display, architecture and purpose-built buildings, cubism, art in WWII (plundering/hiding, too), modern trends (Louvre Abu Dhabi in the UAE looks breathtaking!), the mindful choice of Asian museums doing as they like rather than conforming to Western standards and the effects of smart phones.
One of my favourite prints in the book is the frontispiece of the Museum Wormianum. Another is The Sense of Sight. Both works to me sums up "museum" perfectly. I am grateful to have been to many museums in this book and have learned so much. This outstanding book has inspired me to research others which are now on my list.
Whether you are a museum fan or not, you will most certainly enjoy learning about the history of museums and ogling the otherworldly photography. In my opinion this book is unmissable.
My sincere thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - White Lion and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this downright splendid book!
Author Owen Hopkins highlights the origin of the word "museum", the Enlightenment Gallery, Elgin Marbles and history of well-known museums (Capitoline and Vatican Museums in Rome, the Library of Alexandria in Egypt, Metro Museum of Art in America, Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, the Iraq Museum, etc.). He describes treasuries and pilgrimages, natural vs. man-made contents, inception of public display, architecture and purpose-built buildings, cubism, art in WWII (plundering/hiding, too), modern trends (Louvre Abu Dhabi in the UAE looks breathtaking!), the mindful choice of Asian museums doing as they like rather than conforming to Western standards and the effects of smart phones.
One of my favourite prints in the book is the frontispiece of the Museum Wormianum. Another is The Sense of Sight. Both works to me sums up "museum" perfectly. I am grateful to have been to many museums in this book and have learned so much. This outstanding book has inspired me to research others which are now on my list.
Whether you are a museum fan or not, you will most certainly enjoy learning about the history of museums and ogling the otherworldly photography. In my opinion this book is unmissable.
My sincere thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - White Lion and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this downright splendid book!
January 15, 2022
This book was amazing in every way. You could tell from the start this book was very well researched and packed full of very interesting facts. The author did an epic job of marrying together aspects of architecture, history, photography, art, politics and social interactions. Creating this spectacular book. The layout of the book was brilliant looking at the changing dynamics of museums through time both in the buildings themselves, the collections they hold and the change of social classes using them. What's more I learnt so much while reading this book. You never think while visiting a museum how much work or how many people are actually involved in creating that museum experience its just mind blowing reading about it. I mean there are even court battles over ownership of pieces. I was astonished just how many museums there are in the world and how they have changed across the years. I just loved looking at how the architecture changed as new buildings materials are created and tested. I loved learning about the ownership of museums pieces and how there were many controversial issues. This book was packed full of beautiful photographs and so much wonderful information that I had days of fun reading this book and learning new things you might never of thought about before. This is a brilliant book that would interest so many different types of people, even my 9 year old was showing interest at the photographs in the book saying cool.
So much praise goes to the author and publishers for creating such a wonderful experience while reading this book it just blew me away. I really do hope to read more from this author.
So much praise goes to the author and publishers for creating such a wonderful experience while reading this book it just blew me away. I really do hope to read more from this author.
November 29, 2021
The Museum provides a useful survey of the history of museums, supplemented by a wealth of excellent photography that enriches the text and would make this a great coffee table book. Hopkins discusses a wide variety of museums and brings in extremely current, relevant issues.
This book is probably best for readers new to the history of museums and collecting; since I already knew quite a bit, there wasn’t much until the last couple of chapters that was truly new to me.
It seems to me that some of the assertions made in the book--mostly in the Introduction and the final chapter--need more explanation or unpacking, such as the idea that museums “embody architecture at its most fundamental,” or the idea raised in relation to the Capitoline collection in Chapter 1 that a museum *needs* a museum building, or the idea expressed in the final chapter that the object is not central to the museum, based on three defining characteristics set out by the author.
Despite an insistence on the importance of architecture to a museum, the book seems to treat museum architecture rather unevenly, discussing newer museums’ architectural innovation at much greater length than the architectural developments of museums before the modern age.
Quibbles with the text aside, this book would make a great addition to an art lover’s library or as part of the reading for an undergraduate survey course introducing museum studies. Its extensive inclusion of non-Western museums is especially welcome in a field that often lingers on storied European and American institutions.
This book is probably best for readers new to the history of museums and collecting; since I already knew quite a bit, there wasn’t much until the last couple of chapters that was truly new to me.
It seems to me that some of the assertions made in the book--mostly in the Introduction and the final chapter--need more explanation or unpacking, such as the idea that museums “embody architecture at its most fundamental,” or the idea raised in relation to the Capitoline collection in Chapter 1 that a museum *needs* a museum building, or the idea expressed in the final chapter that the object is not central to the museum, based on three defining characteristics set out by the author.
Despite an insistence on the importance of architecture to a museum, the book seems to treat museum architecture rather unevenly, discussing newer museums’ architectural innovation at much greater length than the architectural developments of museums before the modern age.
Quibbles with the text aside, this book would make a great addition to an art lover’s library or as part of the reading for an undergraduate survey course introducing museum studies. Its extensive inclusion of non-Western museums is especially welcome in a field that often lingers on storied European and American institutions.
January 2, 2022
Do you need a gift for the art lover in your life? I think The Museum will likely fit the bill!
Owen Hopkins discusses the history and evolution of museums over time, covering some of the world's most beloved institutions, including the Louvre, the Met, the National Gallery and others. In addition to these well-known museums, he also includes lesser-known but equally spectacular institutions, and I enjoyed learning about these under the radar gems, especially those outside major US and European cities!
Hopkins views the museum not just as the art it contains, but also the building(s) that house the art. And there are some beautiful pictures in this book - perfect for your coffee table. Along the way, we learn about the architects' missions in designing the museums, and how changes in art styles influenced changes in museum structure and organization, and vice versa. The writing can be a little dense at times, but the pictures help greatly in getting his points across.
I especially enjoyed the last section on the future of museums, including the responsibility to repatriate looted objects, as well as those obtained through deals with colonial governments. Hopkins makes the important point that a museum's attendance should reflect the demographic makeup of its location. After all, a museum cannot claim to be of the community if it does not reflect that community.
A thought-provoking and enjoyable read that's also lovely to just flip through, as a coffee table book should be. 4.5 stars rounded to 5.
Thank you to Quarto - White Lion/Frances Lincoln for providing an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Owen Hopkins discusses the history and evolution of museums over time, covering some of the world's most beloved institutions, including the Louvre, the Met, the National Gallery and others. In addition to these well-known museums, he also includes lesser-known but equally spectacular institutions, and I enjoyed learning about these under the radar gems, especially those outside major US and European cities!
Hopkins views the museum not just as the art it contains, but also the building(s) that house the art. And there are some beautiful pictures in this book - perfect for your coffee table. Along the way, we learn about the architects' missions in designing the museums, and how changes in art styles influenced changes in museum structure and organization, and vice versa. The writing can be a little dense at times, but the pictures help greatly in getting his points across.
I especially enjoyed the last section on the future of museums, including the responsibility to repatriate looted objects, as well as those obtained through deals with colonial governments. Hopkins makes the important point that a museum's attendance should reflect the demographic makeup of its location. After all, a museum cannot claim to be of the community if it does not reflect that community.
A thought-provoking and enjoyable read that's also lovely to just flip through, as a coffee table book should be. 4.5 stars rounded to 5.
Thank you to Quarto - White Lion/Frances Lincoln for providing an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2021
I love art museums. For a whole semester in college I was an art history major and my dream job in another life is to do art restoration for a museum. I have been to many of the best museums in the world and have a bucket list of museums I still want to visit. In short, this book was made for me.
This book provides a comprehensive history of museums. It examines how they came to be and the transition from elite collections to public institutions. It discusses the theory behind museums and how their collected and curated. While much of the focus of the book is on Europe, it does also examine museums in Asia, North America, South America, and Africa. I was very impressed by the fact that the book openly acknowledges the controversies in the museum community like colonialism, repatriation, the slave trade, etc. and discusses how museums can be very political. One of my favorite things in this book was the historical photographs, especially those of museums I’ve been to. I loved seeing the galleries of the V&A being built and the Vanderbilt mansion where the New York MoMa currently is.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and it would make a wonderful addition to any art lover’s collection. Thank you to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln for the ARC.
This book provides a comprehensive history of museums. It examines how they came to be and the transition from elite collections to public institutions. It discusses the theory behind museums and how their collected and curated. While much of the focus of the book is on Europe, it does also examine museums in Asia, North America, South America, and Africa. I was very impressed by the fact that the book openly acknowledges the controversies in the museum community like colonialism, repatriation, the slave trade, etc. and discusses how museums can be very political. One of my favorite things in this book was the historical photographs, especially those of museums I’ve been to. I loved seeing the galleries of the V&A being built and the Vanderbilt mansion where the New York MoMa currently is.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and it would make a wonderful addition to any art lover’s collection. Thank you to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln for the ARC.
November 14, 2021
Pros: I loved this book’s examination of museums, especially the discussion of the architecture of the structures that house the collections and of the emergence of post-national museums. Also, the photographs throughout this book are fantastic and inspire travel.
Although this book is very much a love letter to museums, the author also offers nuanced critiques. What I appreciated most about this book is that in the preface (and then more in depth in the final chapter), the author notes the importance of what museums choose to feature and exclude and how many museums are (or should be) working to be more inclusive and diverse. I also appreciated the author’s alluding to the ethics of how some collections came to be, e.g., as a result of colonization, conquest, and “culturally informed plunder.” Further, this book is not Eurocentric and features museums across the world.
Cons: This isn’t a con of the content of the book but more of a note about the reading experience: The photographs in this book are lovely, so I suggest reading a physical copy of this book rather than an ebook version.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion for the opportunity to read this book.
Although this book is very much a love letter to museums, the author also offers nuanced critiques. What I appreciated most about this book is that in the preface (and then more in depth in the final chapter), the author notes the importance of what museums choose to feature and exclude and how many museums are (or should be) working to be more inclusive and diverse. I also appreciated the author’s alluding to the ethics of how some collections came to be, e.g., as a result of colonization, conquest, and “culturally informed plunder.” Further, this book is not Eurocentric and features museums across the world.
Cons: This isn’t a con of the content of the book but more of a note about the reading experience: The photographs in this book are lovely, so I suggest reading a physical copy of this book rather than an ebook version.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion for the opportunity to read this book.
November 6, 2021
The photography in this book is absolutely stunning! Dozens of museums are vividly featured in big, lush pictures that lovingly capture their unique architectural detail and style. Even without reading a word of the insightful, informative text, this book is well worth looking through!
I enjoyed the organization of the book by historical context/school of thought that inspired each museum rather than something as simple as geographical area. That structure made it easier to compare and relate museums of similar eras for how they reflected their time. It was impossible not to notice that the collection of museums featured was very Eurocentric (and, specifically, quite Anglocentric). It was really only in the last 20% of the book that any significant mention of Asian or African museums was made.
That said, this was still a fascinating read and it would be thoroughly enjoyed by architecture buffs, armchair travelers, and amateur historians as well as people who enjoy museums.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
I enjoyed the organization of the book by historical context/school of thought that inspired each museum rather than something as simple as geographical area. That structure made it easier to compare and relate museums of similar eras for how they reflected their time. It was impossible not to notice that the collection of museums featured was very Eurocentric (and, specifically, quite Anglocentric). It was really only in the last 20% of the book that any significant mention of Asian or African museums was made.
That said, this was still a fascinating read and it would be thoroughly enjoyed by architecture buffs, armchair travelers, and amateur historians as well as people who enjoy museums.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
November 13, 2021
This book is one to linger over as so much is included within its pages. In addition, the illustrations provide some wonderful escapism as readers can travel to some of the world’s best known buildings, collections and galleries; those are the museums of the title.
It is clear that the author of this volume has researched and thought deeply. Within the first few pages of the text, there is mention of Covid and the state of race relations in the U.S. This is all incorporated into a deep dive of the focus and role of the museum, a cherished and, at times, challenging institution. Attention is paid to the history of the museum in its many manifestations. Chapter headings include Origins, The Enlightenment Museum, The Public Museum, The Modern Museum, The Global Museum and, The Museum NOw. The end of the book includes suggestions for additional reading.
This book can be enjoyed by those who have taken art history classes or those looking to learn more about museums even as museum novices. It is worth a look!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
It is clear that the author of this volume has researched and thought deeply. Within the first few pages of the text, there is mention of Covid and the state of race relations in the U.S. This is all incorporated into a deep dive of the focus and role of the museum, a cherished and, at times, challenging institution. Attention is paid to the history of the museum in its many manifestations. Chapter headings include Origins, The Enlightenment Museum, The Public Museum, The Modern Museum, The Global Museum and, The Museum NOw. The end of the book includes suggestions for additional reading.
This book can be enjoyed by those who have taken art history classes or those looking to learn more about museums even as museum novices. It is worth a look!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
December 22, 2021
Informative and beautiful…
This book has just... stunning. There are a lot more words to describe it, but in a nutshell, the pictures, the history it shared, was beautiful. Museums exist to inform, to educate, to open worlds and this book has done them justice. As the caretakers, showcasing art and artifacts, the museums became the subject in a stroll through the past and present that was just remarkable…
I’ve been to a few museums, not nearly enough, but reading this book makes me feel that I have a sense of what these places are like. The contents is not only the draw in these historical buildings that have stories of their own to tell. Supported by succinct biographies, the pictures are amazing, highlighting what the real thing must be…
I viewed this in e-book and can’t wait for it in paper copy – it will be one I will look at often.
*I happily reviewed this book
**Thank you to NetGalley
This book has just... stunning. There are a lot more words to describe it, but in a nutshell, the pictures, the history it shared, was beautiful. Museums exist to inform, to educate, to open worlds and this book has done them justice. As the caretakers, showcasing art and artifacts, the museums became the subject in a stroll through the past and present that was just remarkable…
I’ve been to a few museums, not nearly enough, but reading this book makes me feel that I have a sense of what these places are like. The contents is not only the draw in these historical buildings that have stories of their own to tell. Supported by succinct biographies, the pictures are amazing, highlighting what the real thing must be…
I viewed this in e-book and can’t wait for it in paper copy – it will be one I will look at often.
*I happily reviewed this book
**Thank you to NetGalley
November 27, 2021
This tome delves into the origins, evolution, and architecture of several key museums from around the globe. From cabinets of curiosities and expressions of power to architectural marvels and showcases of culture and social injustice. By no means an exhaustive list, the author does a great job of including several new museums from around the globe in the final two chapters. Stunning photographs add to the depth of this work. Index makes finding specific examples and artists a breeze and further reading list provides insights for those still left hungry for more knowledge.
December 27, 2021
What a marvelous study! I wasn't able to read the descriptions, but that didn't matter to me at all. The beautiful colored photographs of the exterior and interior of so many wonderful museums around the world are a real treat and absolutely fascinating! I can't wait to get a print copy.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook from Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion, Frances Lincoln via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook from Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion, Frances Lincoln via NetGalley. Thank you!
January 26, 2022
I read this beautiful book page by page and stared at all photos and now all I want is to get the actual book to keep forever.
I loved the side-by-side comparison of historical and new photos of the same spaces the most! But also all the stunning photos, and the grouping of museums by age and style... it's a gorgeous book. Seriously. If you love museums and coffee table books, put it on your wishlist ✨
I loved the side-by-side comparison of historical and new photos of the same spaces the most! But also all the stunning photos, and the grouping of museums by age and style... it's a gorgeous book. Seriously. If you love museums and coffee table books, put it on your wishlist ✨
July 5, 2022
A very nice, concise, and clearly structured overview of the history of museum phenomenon.
February 15, 2024
Not bad. Nice photos. But the ridiculous preface almost made me want to put it down. What a bunch of nonsense!!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews