Making Museums Matter

by Stephen E. Weil

In this volume of 29 essays, Weil's overarching concern is that museums be able to “earn their keep”—that they make themselves matter—in an environment of potentially shrinking resources. Also included in this collection are reflections on the special qualities of art museums, an investigation into the relationship of current copyright law to the visual arts, a detailed consideration of how the museums and legal system of the United States have coped with the problem of Nazi-era art, and a series of delightfully provocative training exercises for those anticipating entry into the museum field.

Genres: Museology, Nonfiction, Museums, History, Textbooks

288 pages, Paperback

First published February 17, 2002

Reviews

[Ang · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: Stephen E. Weil has long been considered one of the museum community's most insightful commentators. In this volume of twenty-nine recent essays, his overarching concern is that museums be able to "earn their keep" - that they make themselves matter - in an environment of potentially shrinking resources. Museums matter, according to Weil, when their staff's traditional object-related skills are directed towards enriching both the individual lives and the general wellbeing of the communities they serve. What makes museums so special, he says, is the varied ways in which they may choose to perform that service. Museums have the potential to kindle individual ambition, to strengthen community ties, to stimulate inquiry, to impart knowledge, to provide aesthetic experiences, and much more. Also included in this collection are reflections on the special qualities of art museums, an investigation into the relationship of current copyright law to the visual arts, a detailed consideration of how the museums and legal system of the US have coped with the problem of Nazi-era art, and a series of delightfully provocative training exercises for those anticipating entry into the museum field. The publication of these essays in one volume ensures that even those previously published in highly specialized journals will get the whole exposure they surely deserve.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good thoughts on the development of museums. A bit dated by now, and a bit repetitive (as a bunch of separate speeches or articles, they often touch on overlapping subjects)

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weil strips the museum of its cultural authority, and repositions it as an institution of determinable social value. He argues that museums are accountable and responsible to the public, rather than to a romanticized or sanctified object or ideal, with legal (as well as moral) implications. The value of a museum and its collection is derived by the purposes the museum serves to the public. According to Weil, value is determined by the visitor experience, rather than the intrinsic value of an artifact or object d’art.

[Maegen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Making Museums Matter is an important read for museum professionals and students of museum and library science studies. I learned a lot about museum history, major shifts in museum development and theories for collaboration between museums and libraries. I wish the author would have incorporated more relevant examples of museum practice and focused less on repetitive hypothetical scenarios.

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of previously published works by the ever thoughtful Stephen Weil who wants to help museums think about the 21st Century. The book has essays and exercises, history and opinion, all blended together in a readable mash up of Weil's thoughts. The book is accessible to non-experts but might best be used as part of an introductory set of readings on modern museums.

[James Hicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

a very useful read for museum and/or arts administration type professionals; well written and detailed. Not so useful for designers per se, except that it helps designers get a better larger sense of the projects on which they work.

[Sara Lundberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is becoming a bit dated. A lot of the theory has changed, yet the principles and core message remain the same. Some of the readings are better than others. Some seem to be no more than filler.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stephen Weil really was a master in the museum world. He made some really interesting and thought provoking points in this book. Some points were a bit absurd, but still made you think about the museum field. I am glad my professor picked this for class.