This is the first book to examine how and why museums are political institutions. By concentrating on the ways in which power, ideology and legitimacy work at the international, national and local levels of the museum experience, Clive Gray provides an original analysis of who exercises power and how power is used in museums.
The book explores the intricate dynamics of museum evolution through the lens of New Walk Museum in Leicester, highlighting its 170-year history. It delves into the multifaceted reasons behind changes in museum collections and practices, offering a unique perspective on how historical context shapes contemporary museum experiences. This innovative approach aims to deepen the understanding of the factors influencing museum transformations over time.