Museum texts: communication frameworks

Abstract

"Museum Meanings analyses and explores the relationships between museums and their publics. 'Museums' are understood very broadly, to include art galleries, historic sites and historic houses. 'Relationships with publics' is also understood very broadly, including interactions with artefacts, exhibitions and architecture, which may be analysed from a range of theoretical perspectives. These include material culture studies, mass communication and media studies, learning theories and cultural studies. The analysis of the relationship of the museum to its publics shifts the emphasis from the museum as text, to studies grounded in the relationships of bodies and sites, identities and communities."--Jacket.

Contents

Introduction : texts, frameworks, and meanings -- Organisation as a way of making meaning : using language to organise, shape and connect -- Focus : making texts accessible : adjusting the level of complexity -- Interacting in and through language : using language to relate, engage, and evaluate -- Representing the world through language : using language to portray, interpret and construct -- Extending the frameworks : understanding exhibitions and museums as texts -- Conclusion : integrating the frameworks.