Mediterranean migrations : a museological perspective

Abstract

Museums had earlier presented historical narratives about migrations and migrant communities in the Mediterranean region portraying and presenting them as deemed fit to the colonial and nationstate agenda. This article presents different museological approaches which aim to include communities like migrant communities, not normally included in the museum. Examples of fourteen museums on Mediterranean countries presenting migrations and migrant communities tend to make choices of inclusion or exclusion of migrations, both within their territory and from or within other regions, such as the Mediterranean. Mediterranean migrations gain importance and focus depending on the objectives of the museum and the message it wishes to convey to the public. Two Mediterranean grassroots museums focus particularly on Mediterranean migrations and migrants, even if migrants are transitory. The discussion revolves around the museums’ intentions and activities to raise awareness and empathy among visitors and the public. The article concludes that as educators and activists, museums have the potential to change the present and future of migrations, particularly within the Mediterranean region. Their collective practices inside and outside the museum can inform the public, raise awareness, promote understanding and empathy, enhance opportunities for dialogue and inclusion, help improve well-being, and exert pressure on those in power positions to change the status quo.