Culture v. Politics Round x

The x in the title should be an x, denoting that this is an eternal debate discussed for centuries. This is my own minute comment on this topic. 

My focus here is on museums in China, which have come into existence just as fast as the country's economic boom. With the current Chinese Communist Party's uneasy relationship with history, it is with widespread interest that one sees the construction and curation of museums in China.

It is important to note that museums as a concept is a Western idea, which expressed power, civilization and education. It was open specifically for the public to learn and be in awe of the displays and artefacts on display. A powerful tool and permanent place of learning if there ever was one.

Thus it is with these considerations in mind, that we curiously look at the newly renovated National Museum of China in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Having recently re-opened, it displays the vulnerability of the ruling party about the past and how it should be narrated and presented. As a New York Times article states:

"It is also an example of how China finds it difficult to create cultural institutions that prove equal to its economic achievements."

Culture, as Habermas has traditionally put it, is all about a public sphere, which the public are essentially in control of. Although his concept has been rubbished to varying degrees, it is clear that the Chinese government has struggled to back away from Chinese culture developing its natural course. 

The socialist aesthetics of the Soviet era are still prevalent in many of China's museums. The stark columns, the clean and geometric lines. And not to forget the sheer size of the museums themselves - the new National Museum is supposedly the biggest in floor area in the world. 

But in terms of museums as an institution, they have always received significant public support and funding, especially in the U.K. Perhaps there is some implicit politicisation of museums in 'liberal democratic' countries too. 

It is worth thinking twice when you next enter into a museum. Its architecture, atmosphere, design and perhaps its implicit politics. The study of museology - of which I knew little until a year ago - has developed in many different ways in the last 50 years, for example with the rise of 'eco-museums'. If ever there was a clash between culture and politics, the museum would definitely be a suitable venue.

See relevant link:
New York Times article on the National Museum of China