The Transhistorical Museum

Published with vis-à-vis.

Since the turn of the 21st century, there has been a significant expansion in the field of transhistorical exhibition practice―that is, exhibitions in which objects from various art-historical periods and cultural contexts are put on display together. These juxtapositions are made in an effort to question traditional museological notions like chronology, context and category in the space of the museum itself.

Drawing on the expertise of a wide range of international museum professionals, The Transhistorical Museum: Mapping the Field considers a range of such transhistorical curatorial efforts, exploring the rationale behind these projects, the particular challenges they present and the particular rewards they can offer. This volume surveys the history and future potential of the phenomenon of the transhistorical museum.