The challenge of museums today
In a world where change is constant, museums are facing an essential challenge: how can they evolve to remain relevant and useful for the communities they serve? The Museum Night and International Museum Day, held on the first Saturday of May, have become platforms to explore this issue with the slogan ‘The future of museums in communities in constant change’.
Innovative initiatives of the Catalan museums
Several institutions in Catalonia are adopting new strategies to connect with the public. The Museum of History of Catalonia, for example, has launched an exhibition dedicated to refugees, complemented by a renewal of its permanent collection, which will include resources such as Audioguies oriented to the LGBTI community.
An inclusive approach
Raquel Castellà, head of communication of the museum, highlights his initiative to interview members of the Roma community and to gather their experiences. With more than 120 interviews carried out throughout Catalonia, the Museum seeks to make visible the rich history of this group through an exhibition that will cover a thousand square meters.
Terra Museum: An active dialogue space
The Terra Museum, located in Poblenou, has been designed as a dynamic space that promotes continuing education. Its director, Marta Esteve, emphasizes the importance of interaction with the local community. Its last exhibition, ‘Plastic’, addresses the impact of plastic on everyday life, with the active participation of large and young residents in the neighborhood.
A museum that goes out on the street
The Museum seeks to break traditional barriers, with innovative ideas such as drawing roads on the sidewalk to invite neighbors to visit the space. The proposal is clear: the museum must be an accessible and cozy place for all.
Reflections on medieval heritage
The Museum of Medieval Art of Vic, formerly known as the Episcopal Museum of Vic, combines the conservation of heritage with an invitation to critical reflection. With exhibitions such as ‘Soul instruments’, which link spiritualities past with the present, the Museum seeks to connect with a diversity of audiences.
Activities for all
The institution has created immersive spaces designed to attract both tourists and local residents. The varied activities, which include concerts and workshops for families, demonstrate a commitment to cultural access.
The Ecomuseum of the Valls of Aneu: A Social Model
With a philosophy that challenges the traditional notion of the museum, the Ecomuseum of the Valls d’Àneu presents itself as an institution that seeks to involve the community in the preservation of its culture and traditions. Jordi Abella, the director, emphasizes the importance of a social approach to revitalize local heritage.
Collaborations for innovation
The Ecomuseum collaborates with other institutions to share knowledge and experiences, integrating into networks that cover not only Catalonia but also areas of Europe. This interconnection is vital for its local development model.
A future full of possibilities
The celebration of International Museum Day invites us to reflect on the importance of these institutions in our society. Museums such as the History of Catalonia, Terra, Medieval Art of Vic and the Ecomuseum of the Valls d’Àneu show that it is possible to reinvent themselves, adapting to the changing needs of the communities and building bridges between the past and the future.