ABSTRACT
Although the museum is often presented as a place dedicated to the enhancement of knowledge, of education and of enjoyment, it may also be constituted as a political instrument serving a governmental organization to which it is responsible. The museum might even be used to disseminate questionable ideas as well as contestable scientific theories; to celebrate bellicose or pacifist values; to either stir racial hatred or bring out togetherness. Fortunately, the positive dimension of the museum was largely consolidated through the creation of the International Museums Office in 1926 by the League of Nations, both of which were presented as ‘[established] institutions for intellectual cooperation’, while international cooperation was deemed to be a cornerstone for advancing understanding between peoples – and hence for ensuring peace. 1
