Diversity as a matter of reality or a perception at the museum: samples of approaches and practices through research and analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study discusses diversity within the context of museums in Turkey. In this sense, the exhibitions, activities, and performances, including diversity within the functions of the museum studies, and the attitudes of museum professionals towards the term ‘diversity’ are researched and discussed. The study includes qualitative and quantitative research methods and is applied with two study groups, including museum professionals working at state and private museums. To determine the attitudes of museum professionals, a questionnaire was developed and administered to 161 museum professionals in 2015, and results were monitored in 2022 by the researchers. The responses have shown that the museum professionals have constructive views and ideas about the necessity of applying cultural diversity in museums despite several obstacles, and they shared samples of best practices through accessibility, diversity, and sustainability concerns.