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Integrating the Past: Transformation and Renovation of the Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 October 2005

GUIDO GRYSEELS
Affiliation:
Royal Museum for Central Africa, Leuvensesteenweg 13, Tervuren 3080, Belgium. Email: [email protected]
GABRIELLE LANDRY
Affiliation:
Royal Museum for Central Africa, Leuvensesteenweg 13, Tervuren 3080, Belgium. Email: [email protected]
KOEKI CLAESSENS
Affiliation:
Royal Museum for Central Africa, Leuvensesteenweg 13, Tervuren 3080, Belgium. Email: [email protected]

Abstract

The Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA) in Tervuren is often referred to as one of the last colonial museums in the world. This article provides an overview of the various steps taken in the fundamental transformation process and the plan for renovation of the museum with a view to making it a modern and dynamic Africa museum. For this institution, which is simultaneously a Museum, Research Institute, and Centre of Information Dissemination, a mere change of décor is not sufficient: a fundamental shift in vision, a series of risks, and especially a move towards dialogue and transparency have been part of the process, which has implications that extend far beyond the walls of the museum.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© Academia Europaea 2005

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