Guiding In a Post-Museum: Challenges and Opportunities

This thesis confronts guiding practices to the post-museum concept. Since the second half of the 20th century, a current stream of theories has renewed the museum’s mission in the Western world. Some label this new ideal, a ‘post-museum’. This shift has been characterized by focusing on the visitor and his or her experience. Consequently, guiding practices are challenged: alternatives must be offered to their prior model of “school like” transmission. In guided-tours, many opportunities can occur, thanks to the interaction created by the personal guide who seeks after reaching out to all the guided-visitors, including their feedback and input. Those challenges and opportunities for the guides will be analyzed theoretically and through the practical insight of three Dutch case-studies: two art museums, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Abbemuseum and the counterpoint of a commercial institution, the Heineken Experience. Based on interviews, these cases-studies will bring to light common...Show moreThis thesis confronts guiding practices to the post-museum concept. Since the second half of the 20th century, a current stream of theories has renewed the museum’s mission in the Western world. Some label this new ideal, a ‘post-museum’. This shift has been characterized by focusing on the visitor and his or her experience. Consequently, guiding practices are challenged: alternatives must be offered to their prior model of “school like” transmission. In guided-tours, many opportunities can occur, thanks to the interaction created by the personal guide who seeks after reaching out to all the guided-visitors, including their feedback and input. Those challenges and opportunities for the guides will be analyzed theoretically and through the practical insight of three Dutch case-studies: two art museums, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Abbemuseum and the counterpoint of a commercial institution, the Heineken Experience. Based on interviews, these cases-studies will bring to light common points and inspirations to understand how guides can contribute to achieve the post-museum ideal.Show less

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Guiding In a Post-Museum: Challenges and Opportunities