ABSTRACT
This introductory chapter situates the complex dynamics and meanings of “museums for peace.” Different approaches are reflected in exhibits, commemorations, and other initiatives and to what degree and how peace and related themes of social justice, equity, etc., are represented. Museums are not neutral, political-free zones and face ongoing dilemmas, criticisms, and scrutiny. How do museums curate their exhibits and presentations to shape and influence what audiences should remember and what they should forget? This essay focuses on the politics of museums for peace and links its analysis to the themes of history, memory, and change. How do new developments in museum and memory studies, for example, open new ways to rethink history and the meaning of memory and impact changes in storytelling, exhibits, to education initiatives? The final section gives a description of the following chapters in the book.
