Museums and The Public Sphere

Museums and the Public Sphere investigates the role of museums in England, Hong Kong, Australia and the United States in engaging in public discourse, and gauges their ability to operate as sites of democratic public space. Explores the role of museums around the world as sites of public discourse and democracy Examines the changing idea of the museum in relation to other public sites and spaces, including community cultural centers, public halls and the internet Offers a sophisticated portrait of the public, and how it is realized, invoked, and understood in the museum context Includes relevant examples and discussions of how museums can engage with their publics' in more complex, productive ways