Meaning & Cultural Institutions: From Passive to Interactive

written by art historian & curator Mihaela Manolche

Is it the artist’s intent, the curator’s framing, or the personal interpretation of the viewer? When we walk through the halls of a museum or an art gallery, are we absorbing history, engaging with beauty, or being guided — sometimes unconsciously — toward a specific narrative? These questions lie at the heart of how meaning is created in cultural institutions.

Museums and galleries are not passive containers of objects; they are active meaning-makers. They shape our understanding of art, history, and culture through curation, context, and experience. This process has evolved significantly over time, reflecting changing social values, political influences, and philosophical debates. To fully grasp how museums and galleries construct meaning, it is essential to examine their historical foundations, the transition from authoritative interpretation to subjectivity, the influence of postmodern debates, and the impact of new technologies and participatory experiences on meaning-making today.

The Age of Authoritative Meaning

The earliest museums, originating from private collections of the wealthy elite, were less about public enlightenment and more about consolidating status and power. Renaissance…