Museum Exhibits that Inspired Change: Examples of Activism in Institutions

Museums have always been powerful institutions in terms of shaping public narratives and representations of history. However, in recent years, they have become sites of activism and resistance, where individuals and communities have pushed back against exclusionary, oppressive, and narrow interpretations of history and culture. In this blog post, let us explore some examples of museum exhibits that have sparked significant changes.

One of the most inspiring examples comes from the United Kingdom, where the British Museum in London held a major exhibition titled “Indigenous Australia: Enduring Civilisation” in 2015. The exhibit aimed to shed light on the rich, diverse, and complex cultures of Indigenous Australians, who have lived on the continent for over 60,000 years. However, the exhibit was criticized for perpetuating stereotypes, decontextualizing sacred objects, and excluding the voices and perspectives of Indigenous Australians themselves. In response, the activist group “Warrior Women” staged a protest outside the museum, calling for the repatriation of stolen objects and the recognition of Indigenous sovereignty. The protest gained national and international attention, and the museum eventually agreed to review its policies and practices regarding Indigenous collections and collaborations.

Another example comes from the United States, where the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York hosted an exhibit titled “The Tear Gas Biennial” in 2020. The exhibit was curated by a group of artists and activists who wanted to highlight the ongoing struggles for social justice and human rights around the world. The exhibit featured works that addressed issues such as police brutality, environmental destruction, forced migration, and economic inequality. However, the exhibit was met with backlash from some visitors and right-wing media outlets, who accused the museum of promoting leftist propaganda and glorifying violence. In response, the Whitney Museum defended the exhibit as a legitimate form of artistic expression and social commentary, and reiterated its commitment to freedom of speech and diversity of perspectives.

A third example comes from the Middle East, where the Palestine Museum in Birzeit, West Bank, hosted an exhibit titled “Jerusalem Lives” in 2017. The exhibit aimed to showcase the cultural and social dynamism of Jerusalem, which has been a contested and divided city for decades. However, the exhibit was met with intense criticism from Israeli authorities and right-wing groups, who accused the museum of promoting anti-Israeli propaganda and inciting violence. In response, the Palestine Museum defended its right to represent Palestinian history and identity, and emphasized the importance of dialogue and understanding between different communities.

These examples demonstrate the potential of museums as sites of activism, resistance, and change. They also highlight the challenges and complexities involved in representing and interpreting history and culture in a fair, inclusive, and respectful manner. As museums continue to grapple with these issues, we must recognize and support the voices and perspectives of marginalized communities, and engage in critical and constructive conversations about the role and responsibility of museums in shaping our collective memory and future.

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