The Contemporary Art Museum and the Shaping of Historical Narrative and Social Identity

Abstract

In this paper, I will examine the value of the museum from a functional perspective. Today, museums not only serve as spaces for exhibition of art works and cultural artifacts, but also preserve these materials and are educational venues. In addition to the benefits conferred upon individual visitors, the values represented by an art museum are inextricably linked to those of the wider society and nation. Chang presents his findings from in-depth interviews with museum visitors, staff, and external experts, to argue that museums perform a critical function in shaping the historical narrative and identity of a society.