ABSTRACT
Should museum curators exhibit topics and objects in permanent ancient Middle Eastern galleries that the public wants to see, or is it allowed to move away from the traditional way of display? This question seems fairly easy to answer in a modern world, where thinking and acting innovatively is expected. But curatorial practice isn’t only about content. Would the audience still be interested in the ancient Middle East when this huge and historically complex area is not presented as a simple package? In 2013, the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities renewed its permanent Middle Eastern gallery. Whereas the former exhibit displayed the history of the ancient Middle East traditionally—meaning thematically, chronologically, and geographically—the author of this chapter decided to focus in the new presentation on the history of the collection. No developments in and around the cradle of civilization, no chronological timelines, nor a simplified cultural overview. Rather, the ancient Middle East is shown as a source of inspiration for Dutch scientists and collectors. The present chapter discusses the ideas and principles behind this revolutionary concept and examines how this approach was received by the audience and media.
