Using heritage in regeneration: the role of museums

Abstract

In recent years high profile examples such as the Guggenheim in Bilbao and Tate Modern in London have been advanced as evidence of how museums can contribute effectively to culture-led regeneration. While the concept of culture-led regeneration — where flagship investment serves as the catalyst for regeneration — is a significant means by which museums can contribute, this is not the only way in which they do so. Cultural regeneration, where cultural activity is fully integrated into regeneration plans alongside other considerations such as economic and environmental, should be emphasised because it can help create and maintain social capital, a key determinant of successful regeneration. Museums are well placed to play a part in this. Lessons are emerging from practice around both culture-led and cultural regeneration, and relate to ensuring the integration of museums in planning from the earliest stages, and effective partnerships between museum professionals and planners, regeneration professionals and engineers.