Museum Studies

Museum Studies looks at museum practices from archaeological, historical and anthropological perspectives.

Current research explores topics such as the historical biographies of objects and collections, new forms of community engagement in contemporary museums, the politics of representation and self-representation, and issues of authority, control, and inclusion/exclusion.

Collaboration with museums

The staff and students of the Museum Studies research group often develop projects in collaboration with the National Museum of Antiquities (RMO, Leiden), the National Museum of World Cultures, and the Research Center for Material Culture (RCMC, Leiden).

Master's programme in Museum Studies

The teaching programme focuses on critical museology, community engagement, collecting practices, and the history of museums and collections from antiquity to the present. As part of the teaching programme, classes include visits to museums throughout the Netherlands and students complete internships at a wide array of museums and heritage institutions.

Read more on Museum Studies at Leiden University.