Engaging contemporary social issues in the museum through archaeological collections

Abstract

AbstractStarting from the analysis of the historical development of the official definition of museum, in search of the nature of its engagement with contemporary social issues, it is argued that museums are transforming in order to preserve their relevance and respond to the demands of an ever-changing society. After briefly considering how museums are addressing their role in society, the ‘social inclusion’ practices tested by the Museo Egizio in Turin between 2015 and 2020 serve as a case study to analyse benefits and drawbacks of approaches addressing social justice issues such as immigration, health and wellbeing, and climate change. Although museums can and should have a strong and beneficial impact on society, it is also argued that their role should not be equated and limited to that.