And the clock stopped.

The (re) definition of museums in light of Covid-19

Abstract

In accordance with the history of museums as Western institutions linked to particular economic and political processes, in this article I concentrate on discussing the situation of these venues in the contemporary world, thus opening up a reflection on their definition, and a necessary redefinition, consistent with new post-Colonialist demands. Specifically, I address the context of the pandemic caused by the Covid-19 disease which, throughout 2020, has marked a juncture for museums and their future articulation; I discuss the pandemic as a liminal moment, identifying the crisis in a context of questions, the climax as a scenario full of alternatives and possible answers, and the resolution as a period of transformation. The clock stopped for everyone, including museums which, suddenly, had to be closed for around a year. However, time goes on, and I feel it is now worth asking ourselves how, and, above all, why we should reopen the doors of our exhibitions.