Museology and the Icelandic museum field. Collaborations and development

Authors

  • Gudrun Whitehead University of Iceland
  • Sigurjón Baldur Hafsteinsson University of Iceland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5617/nm.6402

Keywords:

museums, museology, Iceland, collaboration, research, heritage

Abstract

Since the birth of the Icelandic museum in the nineteenth century
they have played a vital role in the local heritage sector. Starting as expressions
of national pride during the independence movement from Denmark, the three
central museums, the National Museum of Iceland, The National Gallery of
Iceland and the Icelandic Museum of Natural History, have played a vital role in
the professional work of museums. They promote collaboration and institutional
development, most recently by enabling the establishment of Museology at the
University of Iceland. Tracing the history of the museum field, this article seeks
to demonstrate the vital role of museums within museology at the University of
Iceland. With continued collaboration, museum professionals and the museum
studies program can promote positive change in the Icelandic heritage sector.

Author Biographies

Gudrun Whitehead, University of Iceland

HI - Folkloristics, Ethnology and Museology

PhD., Associate Professor

Sigurjón Baldur Hafsteinsson, University of Iceland

HI - Folkloristics, Ethnology and Museology

PhD., Professor

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