Scandia utblick: Definition of the Museum, the Swedish 'museidebatt', and “to Be a Museum” in the Global Present

Abstract

This article examines the evolving role and functions of museums in the contemporary global context, focusing on museum activism, preservation expertise, and the political and ideological nature of museums. It draws on the epistemological premises of museology as a field of study and argues for the importance of this discipline when it comes to understanding the global processes in cultural heritage practices. The author discusses the intense debates surrounding definitions of the museum, particularly the ICOM debate in the second half of the 2010s, and how these discussions reflect the contradictory nature of museums. The concepts of “museum activism” and “preservation drive” are introduced as two important discourses in the world of museums. The article also highlights the Swedish museum debate and how political and economic factors influence how museums operate. The author argues for the need to radically transform institutional museum structures to ensure that they survive and remain relevant in today’s society. Reflexivity and recognizing asymmetric power relations within museums are emphasized as crucial aspects for the future.