The New Museum Ideia (Flower, 1893): thoughts on the form and function of natural history museums

ABSTRACT

The term new museum idea is widely used in the historiography of natural history museums. However, there is no consensus regarding the ideas covered by the concept and, in some cases, there was a disconnection with its author and its origin. On the other hand, the new museum idea represents a synthesis on some topics of the reform that these institutions went through in the 19th century elaborated by one of its central thinkers. This study sought to elucidate the complexity of the term in its original formulation context, in the speech of the naturalist William Henry Flower (1831-1899) in the Museums Association’s meeting, in 1893. In doing so, we hope to advance in the more precise knowledge regarding the ideas of the period and its diverse actors. We also seek to shed light on the 19th century naturalists who resolved the challenges and took on the opportunities for museums, bequeathing us a new institutional model. Revisiting the 19th century, and its rich process of museological reflection, also inspires us to tackle on the new challenges of natural history museums in the 21st century, showing that some aspects that seemed guaranteed at the time, such as research and safeguarding of the collection, now deserve our special attention. The model of institution bequeathed to us underwent profound adaptations, serving an increasing number of citizens in the production of relevant knowledge, education, and communication.

KEYWORDS:
New Museum Idea; Natural history museums; 19th century; Museum reform; Natural history collections; Curatorship