Museum Activities Research Articles

Soviet Industrialization Narrative in the Context of Constructing Political Discourse: A Museum Commemoration (Cases of the Karaganda Local History Museum and Karlag)

Examining museum narratives subjectively can enhance our understanding of political discourse formation. For this, the article aims to cover the events of industrialization in Kazakhstan as part of the modern historical and political discourse and collective memory, covered by the Kazakh regional museums. The basis of the scientific approach consists of different historical methods: the historical-comparative, the typological, the systematic, etc. The historical-comparative and historical-systemic methods were also used, which helped to determine the value of this topic in the general scientific discourse. This research presents the activities of the regional museums of Kazakhstan as a counterbalance to the Soviet narratives concerning the process of industrialization on the territory of Kazakhstan, which transmitted Soviet political myths to the domestic audience. The results of the study can be used further as material for political and socio-historical analysis.

The usefulness of intellectual property rights in selected areas of museum activity

ABSTRACT As intangible resources, intellectual property rights are difficult to measure. The search for ways to measure and research them and their impact on the current activities of nonprofit organizations such as museums is important because it translates into the effectiveness of the institution’s cooperation with the environment and the stabilization of the organization over time. I aimed to identify the usefulness of intellectual property rights in the context of three main areas of museum activity: heritage collection and preservation, research and education, and sharing and access to heritage. To achieve the goal, I conducted empirical research among museum employees from Poland and other European countries, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada. A total of 190 respondents completed the survey. I determined the usefulness of intangible resources not by the characteristics of these resources, but by the key areas of museum activity resulting from the ICOM definition. Research results indicated that the most useful intellectual property rights were copyrights to collections. In selected areas, rights to employee works, databases, and know-how, namely implicit specialized knowledge resulting from employee experience, were also useful.

From Artifacts to Interactivity: Optimizing Museum Outreach through Technology and Inclusivity

With the development of society, people are paying more and more attention to cultural protection, and museums have become the core of protecting and sharing cultural heritage. Today's museums are not just exhibition halls. They are educational centers and social spaces that help cultivate a sense of history, cultural identity, and community cohesion. However, many traditional museum practices are difficult to attract modern audiences, especially young tourists who pursue immersive experiences. This study analyzed the influencing factors of well-organized and well-designed promotional activities in museums, with a focus on exploring how to strengthen the role of museums as educational, social, and cultural resources. By studying core principles such as structured planning, creativity, and feasibility, this article provides feasible suggestions for strengthening museum promotion strategies. With the integration of modern technology, enhanced interactivity, and widespread use of digital media and targeted activities, museums have the opportunity to expand their audience, cultivate sustained connections, and promote cultural diversity. The study ultimately emphasizes the value of strategic external connections and positions museums as active contributors to cultural dialogue. These perspectives aim to help museums adapt to technological advancements, change public expectations, and lay the foundation for further research on digital participation, visitor protection, and international cultural exchange.

Statistical Committees and Establishment of Museums in Russia during Late 19th to Early 20th Centuries

This article examines the activities of provincial and regional statistical committees as centers for the establishment of provincial museums in pre-revolutionary Russia. It highlights that, despite a considerable number of studies dedicated to the emergence of museum practices and the contributions of individual statistical committees to the creation and development of museums, this topic has yet to undergo systematic investigation. The formation of museum collections and the emergence of a network of museums affiliated with statistical committees are traced, beginning with the first museums established by the Vladimir and Arkhangelsk committees and concluding with the unsuccessful attempts to open museums by the Nizhny Novgorod, Saratov, and Transbaikal statistical committees. Common features in the development of provincial museums and the specific organizational characteristics of those associated with statistical committees are identified. The article emphasizes the classification of statistical committees as state-type institutions and clarifies the specialized focus of museum activities. Particular attention is paid to the reasons for the reorganization and separation of museums from statistical committees in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Based on the examined sources, it is established that many museums previously under the auspices of statistical committees transitioned to scientific societies, archival commissions, and specially created committees.

Культура музейного соучастия как форма организации социальной консолидации

The article delves into the problem of social consolidation and the search for specific forms of its organization. Based on the experience of humanitarian scientific reflection and on the results obtained by other researchers, the author points out the complex and dynamic nature of various aspects of consolidation in each specific case, including in the sphere of cultural practices, museum activities and the culture of museum complicity, which are included in the problematic circle of discussion of the scientific article. The thesis is put forward that the most important form of organizing social consolidation is the culture of museum participation, which involves the creation of a certain museum product or service based on the joint activities of visitors, various communities and partners at certain stages of project implementation. It is emphasized that the analysis of scientific humanitarian discourse allows us to formulate a theoretical approach to understanding the relevance of studying the culture of museum participation as the most important form of consolidation, contributing to the cohesion of the local community in order to create favorable conditions for consolidation processes in culture.

Implementation of Saving Function as the Main Function in Activities of European Visual Arts Museums during World War Two

The purpose of the article is to research the saving function implemented by the personnels of the visual arts museums during the Second World War on the territory of Ukraine and of the Western European countries, research the actions of the museum workers seen as sociocultural projects from a scientific point of view. The research methodology lies in the application of historical methods due to which the origin and the development of historical processes and events are being explored in their chronological order with the scope of finding out the historical connections and patterns by means of a modern analysis of how the museum workers fulfilled their positions' tasks during the war. Empirical and theoretical methods are being used. Such methodological research allows the explorers to analyse the ways of the task fulfilment aimed at saving as the main function of all the activities carried out by European art museums during the wars in the twentieth century. The scientific novelty is in a new generalising scientific view on the fulfilment of their positions' tasks by museum workers and military men of a specially founded unit whose goal was to save the museum objects of the world's art heritage under the threat of illegal deeds of the aggressor country. Conclusions. The sociocultural planning of the activities of the European museums' workers used the stereotyped marketing methods aimed at the implementation of saving as the main function. It is necessary to point out that, due to full-scale hostilities on the European territory, the priority function the museums workers wanted to implement was saving and evacuation of museum collections from the hostilities area, as well as conservation works. After the evacuation and restoration in a safe area, the museum personnels, when it was possible, focused their attention on the function of the art works' exhibition.

Behind the words: a quantitative analysis of museums’ tweets

ABSTRACT The rise of Web 2.0 technologies has revolutionized communication, pushing museums to amplify their presence on social media platforms. Scholars have taken a keen interest in exploring the intricate connection between museum activities and social media, especially heightened during the pandemic when museum closures compelled them to adopt social media as a primary mode of interaction. This study employs text mining technologies to delve into the dynamics of words used in tweets by the most active international museums. Analyzing 334,505 tweets from 89 museums spanning 2006–2022, this study goes beyond the pandemic's impact, emphasizing either ‘relationship enforcement’ or ‘digital technologies’ aspects.

Bulbul Memorial Museum as a Center of Cultural and Historical Memory

The aim of the article is to study and introduce into scientific circulation information about the current activities of the Bulbul Memorial Museum regarding the preservation of the musical heritage of the founder of the professional vocal art of Azerbaijan. The material base of the study consists of the exposition of the Bulbul Memorial Museum and archival sources. Results. The article examines the history of creation and the current activities of the Bulbul Memorial Museum in Shusha after the occupation. The exposition of the museum is characterised, which presents Bulbul’s personal belongings, materials reflecting his creative, scientific, educational and social activities. The article provides a brief overview of the artist’s creative achievements, and also examines Bulbul’s documents and works. In particular, the article begins a discussion about such a peak of Bulbul’s work as the opera “Keroglu”. The activities of the Research Music Cabinet, which plays an indispensable role in the history of the musical culture of Azerbaijan, are highlighted. Information is provided on the unique exhibits known as phonograph records, which are well preserved at the Bulbul Memorial Museum. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the role of information technologies in the presentation of the Bulbul Memorial Museum is studied through the prism of preserving the musical heritage of the founder of professional vocal art of Azerbaijan. Conclusions. The Bulbul Memorial Museum in Shusha contains a powerful display of personal things and documents highlighting Bulbul’s musical legacy as the founder of professional vocal art in Azerbaijan. The use of information technologies for the presentation of the museum’s exposition meets modern requirements of museum activity. The use of a modern technological tool in the Bulbul house-museum — a monitor with a touch screen — is an important feature that arouses interest in the museum.

Exploration and Practice of Utilizing Stomatology Museums As a Vehicle to Support Education

The museums of stomatology provide important support for integrated education, bearing the responsibility and mission of cultural education. Serving as a vehicle of education, stomatology museums are an integral part of theoretical and ethical education. This article introduces the current development status of stomatology museums in China. Herein, we presented an overview of the development strategies for the construction of stomatology museums in China from the perspectives of becoming incorporated in the national museum management system, establishing an evaluation system for cultural artifacts of stomatology, conducting a national survey of movable cultural relics, and conducting historical research on cultural relics in museums. A development strategy for utilizing stomatology museums in China as a vehicle for education has been proposed from the perspectives of promoting the improvement of museum curation skills, establishing interactive activities in museums, promoting research and study tours in stomatology museums, establishing itinerant exhibitions, developing cultural and creative products for museums, and promoting digital construction of museums. This article will help explore new growth points for the development of stomatology museums in the new era.

Sharing Stories, Food and Passports: Forced Migration, Museum and Memory Activism in Contemporary Germany

ABSTRACT This article uses the online exhibition ‘Arriving: Life after Forced Migration’ by the Marienfelde Refugee Center Museum in Berlin as a case study to investigate how museum activism can contribute to creating and disseminating memories about contemporary forced migration. Employing a close visual and textual analysis of the online exhibition combined with insights from recent discourses on museum activism, migration and memory studies, the article explores which forms of memory the exhibition creates, how these memories emerge and to which end they are used. The analysis firstly illustrates how the exhibition creates a space for communicative memory to surface within the portrayed refugee families through the sharing of stories, objects and food from ‘home’. Secondly, it goes on to argue that the exhibition engages in memory activism by humanizing the portrayed individuals, exposing discriminatory state practices and challenging the audience through provocative questions. Thirdly, the article submits that this online exhibition contributes to a growing transnational archive of forced migration memories. Comprised of a multitude of online platforms dedicated to collecting, preserving and sharing forced migration stories, this archive stimulates multidirectional memory making and allows counter narratives to surface within an increasingly divided Europe.

Профессор Г. И.Фишер фон Вальдгейм и музейная деятельность Московского университета

Professor G.I. Fischer von Waldheim played an important role not only in the history of Moscow University, but also of Russian science in general. Having adopted a number of concepts in the first period of his life that gave new impetus to the development of natural sciences in Europe, he then became the founder of large university scientific schools and areas of research in Russia. But his contribution to the development of museums was especially significant, the study of which served as the subject of this article. While still in Paris, having familiarized himself with and researched the methods of displaying various natural science collections, he then began to create the Moscow University Museum - the first public museum not only in the history of Russian universities, but for Moscow as a whole. The article explores the main concepts that guided the professor for placing the exposition. It is also emphasized that in the development of scientific museums, Fischer saw great potential for further educational activities, as well as for the use of collections in the educational process. These concepts logically led him to put forward in 1832 a plan for a National Museum based on the collections of Moscow University, which would be designed to demonstrate all the natural wealth and resources that Russia possesses. This concept, although not realized, influenced subsequent museum activities in Moscow. The historical memory of Fischer von Waldheim is currently maintained within the museums of Moscow University.

On the Importance of Contextualizing an Educational Escape Room Activity

This paper describes the design and evaluation of "Enigma Bio", an educational escape room activity that aims to convey the abstract concept of biodiversity to children between 11 and 13 years of age, making them aware of the importance of climate change and its impact on biodiversity. The design of Enigma Bio is closely linked to the Biodiversity exhibition at the National Museum of Natural Sciences in Madrid, designed for a visit in groups of between 20 and 30 children, with an approximate duration of one hour, running on mobile devices and including augmented reality technology. The purpose of this research is to determine whether, in the case of educational escape room activities in museums with a limited time duration, it is more effective to have a pre-session introducing the topic. Our hypothesis is that without the context of the pre-explanation, the playful component of the game may be too powerful and may cause children not to pay enough attention to the message that the game intends to communicate, and even more so when dealing with a complex message such as the effect of climate change on biodiversity. To answer this research question, we follow an A/B testing experimental design involving two groups of children, one of which received an introductory talk on biodiversity and climate change before going to the museum and the other did not. The experimental design is completed with a pre-post evaluation of the children's environmental awareness by means of a previously validated questionnaire. The results of the experiment provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the pre-session introduction in enhancing the learning outcomes of short educational escape room activities. Significant differences were observed between pre- and post-activity tests, indicating a moderate overall increase in awareness scores within both individual groups (A and B) as well as across the combined results. The findings suggest that the pre-session introduction indeed plays a role in enhancing students' awareness of the targeted message. These results represent a breakthrough in the e-learning practice that will be of value to other designers of educational escape rooms with a limited time duration.

From collections to connections in libraries, archives and museums: Do theories meet practice?

Libraries, archives and museums are primarily seen as institutions that preserve and promote collections. However, ongoing social changes are causing them to increasingly focus on their social partners and the relationships that can be established with them. The evolving nature of these institutions’ priorities raises questions about how they are adapting to this shift and its impact on their operations. The objective of this research is to contribute to the conceptualization of the paradigm shift through verification of how selected social and cultural theories of social relations are reflected in the activities of libraries, archives and museums, as well as their connections with various partners. A content analysis of articles from three journals indicates that the relation-centric theories studied, and the concepts presented therein, are taken into account by their authors, albeit to varying degrees. The relationships of libraries, archives and museums primarily concern local communities and special user groups, but also involve other legal or individual entities, as well as the professional community.

‘Marvel at Your Being Part of This Splendour': Sindiwe Magona’s Social-Ecological Consciousness

A museum of literature is a point at which literary activism can interact with museum activism. Amazwi South African Museum of Literature is the custodian of Sindiwe Magona’s literary archive, and her activist positionality is illustrated through reference to her correspondence and manuscript materials. These unpublished materials also offer insight into her relationship with her publisher, Marie Philip. Less apparent in interviews and critical perspectives is Magona’s position on the entanglement of social and ecological issues. The discussion draws on an interview the author conducted with Magona in which she discusses her social-ecological consciousness. Reference is also made to her collection of poetry, Please, Take Photographs, which has received little critical attention but which manifests her social-ecological sensibility. As museums configure their own, emerging forms of activism and begin to tell stories of lived injustice in the real world, they may connect with activist writers such as Sindiwe Magona. Together, the literary and museological domains may co-create new and more powerful forms of social-ecological responsibility, action, agency, and justice.

Popularisation of Volodymyr Vynnychenko’s Epistolary Heritage in Documentary and Communication Institutions of Ukraine

The aim of the article is to study the state and forms of populariІation of V. Vynnychenko’s epistolary by archival, museum and library establishments as institutions of social memory during the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Research methods are presented by general scientific principles of the unity of theory and practice, the use of historical and genetic, synergistic, social and communication, interdisciplinary approaches, source research, analysis and synthesis, which make it possible to find out the specifics of V. Vynnychenko’s epistolary popularisation in documentary and communication institutions of modern Ukraine. The scientific novelty of the article consists in the study of the activity of archives, museums and libraries during the war events in Ukraine, particularly, in the hometown of V. Vynnychenko, Kropyvnytskyi, using the information resource of his epistolary in objective cognition of famous personalities, introducing into scientific circulation epistolary achievements in assessment by a sender and addressees of the policy of Russian Bilshoviks in Ukraine in the early 1930s, and the problems of national culture as an important component of the Ukrainian information space, which contributes to the dissemination of true historical and cultural data, counteraction of hostile disinformation, modelling of national identity and public opinion. Main conclusions. The popularisation of V. Vynnychenko’s epistolary heritage in modern documentary and communication institutions of Ukraine is based on the use of information and communication technologies, as well as reproduction of information sources in digital formats of the following strategic directions: 1) development of optimal forms of interaction on a partnership ground; 2) intensification of social communications due to the expansion of the interaction methods spectrum, and diversification of forms (lectures, meetings, round tables, conferences, etc.); 3) research and rational dissemination of Ukrainian and foreign experience, which enables the introduction of the documentary resource of V. Vynnychenko’s letters and his addressees to the global information space. The popularisation effectiveness of V. Vynnychenko’s epistolary as a valuable historical and cultural document, an authentic primary source in the objective understanding of historical and cultural information, and unique personalities of a sender and addressees is determined by modern means of reputation marketing (advertising, Google tools, social networks, video presentations, webinars, workshops classes, QR codes, online chats, etc.); cooperation with the media is presented by the backgrounder, press release, media kit, combination of text, photo and video in reports, etc.

ICOM’S New Museum Definitionand Korean Public Museums: A Focus on Museum Activism

ICOM’S New Museum Definitionand Korean Public Museums: A Focus on Museum Activism

Study on Cultural Consumption Characteristics of Museum Short Video Platforms under the Threshold of Identifier Economics

Purpose - This study examines museums’ operations on the Shakeology platform, elucidating the characteristics of museums’ cultural consumption in relation to identity, cultural identity, value identity, and the cluster effect of certified museums. The study explores how short video platforms can serve as effective tools for cultural communication and consumption promotion. Design/Methodology/Approach - The study utilizes qualitative research to investigate how museums utilize the Shakeology platform to create a diverse content ecosystem and improve audience engagement. Data is collected through the analysis of museum activities on the platform, including content types, interaction strategies, and audience engagement. It also examines how short video platforms differ from traditional media in terms of granular information processing and community interaction. Findings - Short video platforms are more effective in communication than traditional media due to their granular information processing and community interaction. Museums that focus on Shakeology can enhance consumers’ connection to cultural heritage, optimize market positioning, and improve audience interaction. Key characteristics of cultural consumption on the platform include enhanced cultural identity, value identity, and a significant cluster effect of certified museums, leading to a richer cultural experience for audiences. Research Implications - The study holds significant implications for museums aiming to utilize modern media for audience engagement and market positioning. By understanding cultural consumption dynamics on short video platforms, museums can customize content and interaction strategies to cultivate stronger audience connections. The study suggests that museums should continue to innovate and adapt to new media trends to enhance their cultural communication efforts.

IMPLEMENTATION OF AR TECHNOLOGIES IN THE ACTIVITIES OF MUSEUMS

Augmented reality (AR-technologies) and virtual reality (VR-technologies) technologies are actively used in modern life, from the spheres of education and entertainment to museum activities. This article demonstrates the application of AR-technologies in modern society, mainly in museum activities. The authors emphasize the basic concepts of "AR-technologies" and "VR-technologies" and the advantages of using these technologies in museum activities. Among them are: maximum optimization of museum space, reduction of the need and cost of transportation of expensive exhibits, reduction of the burden on museum staff, convenience of obtaining reference information on various museum specimens, reduction of crowding near certain historical values and the possibility of viewing lost but digitally preserved materials. All of the above establishes the validity of this direction and the need to introduce these technologies into museum activities. As a result, the authors came to the conclusion that the introduction of augmented reality technologies (AR-technologies) and virtual reality (VR-technologies) has an exclusively integrative character and creates favorable conditions for modern museum activities.

Emerging Trends and Future Directions in Artificial Intelligence for Museums: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis Based on Scopus (1983-2024)

Abstract Artificial Intelligence is changing the future of museums, opening the door to unprecedented innovations that are revolutionising the way collections are managed and experiences are designed. This bibliometric analysis, covering four decades of research (1983-2024) from the Scopus database, explores how Artificial Intelligence is transforming museum activities — from creating personalised visitor experiences to preserving cultural treasures through advanced digitisation processes. The study shows that the number of publications on Artificial Intelligence has increased dramatically in recent years, reflecting the growing momentum in the field. The integration of AI in museums demands careful reflection on its implications for human rights, cultural values, and social responsibility. As AI adoption accelerates, addressing ethical concerns—such as potential biases, transparency, and accountability—has become increasingly vital. Institutions are encouraged to develop robust ethical frameworks that mitigate these risks, ensuring AI does not reinforce inequalities or distort cultural representation. By embracing AI responsibly, museums can not only enhance visitor engagement and streamline operations but also uphold their commitment to inclusivity, safeguarding their role as stewards of knowledge, culture, and education.

THE ANALYSIS OF UTENA DISTRICT RESIDENTS’ OPINION OF UTENA LOCAL LORE MUSEUM ACTIVITY

In the article, the authors analyze the Utena district residents’ opinion of Utena Local Lore Museum activity. The purpose of the research is to analyze the Utena district residents’ opinion of Utena Local Lore museum activities and to present proposals for improving Utena Local Lore Museum activity. During the research, a questionnaire survey was conducted. Data collection methods - analysis of scientific literature and sources, quantitative research (questionnaire survey). The article analyzes Utena district residents’ opinion of Utena Local Lore Museum activity from a theoretical point of view and presents the results of the conducted research. It is concluded that according to the results of the conducted research, visiting the Utena Local Lore Museum is encouraged by various entertainments, exhibitions, events and education, but, according to the respondents, all this should be related to the Utena region and its history. Repeated visits of the respondents to the museum would be determined by updated expositions, offered entertainment, and interesting presentations