Museums and Visual Culture: An Interpretation of Objects

Abstract

Art works' on display in art museum galleries are situated in an historical and cultural context when viewed by visitors. Objects on display in art museums are the key element in producing the meanings of an exhibition when viewing these objects. Artworks on display in art museums are not suggested in a single meaning, but produce multiple meanings for the visitors who come to art museums. Conversation between 'subject (visitors)' and 'objects(artworks)', that is, endless conversations between the viewers and the viewed are part of the educational experience when people visit art museums. Thus, this paper examines the role and function of art museums as a place of communication, that is, the relation between the subjects and objects.