ABSTRACT
How do museums for peace depict and interpret the history, consequences and opposition to the weaponization of science and technology? This chapter briefly outlines the history and development of a selection of weapon technologies and the roles – and attempts at self-justification – of scientists and engineers whose work has led to devastating destruction and incalculable loss of human lives and cultures. The author explores how those technologies have been portrayed, analyzed, and critiqued in museums for peace, in the context of the museums’ mission to promote and cultivate a culture of peace. How do contemporary museums for peace document the development and use of weapons in warfare? How do they engage with non-military uses of science and technology for the benefit of humankind and the sustainability of the planet? What were the roles of Nobel, Haber, Ishii, and scientists who developed nuclear weapons? Or Einstein, Rotblat and others who subsequently worked for peace, justice and planetary sustainability? Museums for peace are seen as potential agents for exhibiting and promoting the achievements of civil society and mass movements in opposing the military misuse of scientific and technological knowledge.
