ABSTRACT
Any display of psychiatric collections should automatically observe ethical museum practice. This chapter looks fi rst at the display of medical collections, and then focuses specifi cally on psychiatric collections within a museum context. Within this discussion, and because of the nature of these types of collections, I also draw parallels with the ethical issues associated with displaying human remains as well as diversity and disability collections. Writing as a museum curator, with over ten years of experience working with Museum Victoria’s medical collection, I have fi rst-hand knowledge of the diffi culties such collections present. I explore the relevance of the museum’s role in the ethical display of medical and psychiatric objects/ collections, and comment on visitor reactions to, and expectations of such displays, as well as outlining specifi c issues that need to be addressed.
