Abstract
National museums in East Asia are increasingly expected to go beyond cultural preservation by actively promoting public participation and social engagement. This study examines how the Tokyo National Museum (TNM) and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) in South Korea have responded to these challenges by redefining their institutional roles. It analyzes and compares the strategies of both institutions in terms of public engagement and inclusivity, aiming to understand how state-owned museums are evolving in response to contemporary societal demands. The study contributes to current debates on the role of museums as social institutions, offering insights into how cultural policy can better support their expanding social responsibilities. A qualitative comparative methodology was employed, with data collected through institutional document analysis, exhibition reviews, fieldwork, and the evaluation of digital platforms. The findings suggest that TNM continues to hold a strong position in terms of heritage preservation and academic authority, but faces challenges to digital innovation and connecting with younger generations. In contrast, MMCA has actively embraced participatory programming and socially engaged themes to strengthen its relevance and accessibility. This study concludes that national museums must increasingly balance their heritage conservation mission with their responsibility to foster meaningful community engagement and public dialogue.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
The Arts in Social, Political, and Community Life
KEYWORDS
NATIONAL MUSEUMS, CULTURAL POLICY, PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
