A Companion to Museum Studies captures a fresh, multidisciplinary approach to the study of the development, roles, and significance of museums in contemporary society. The volume collects authoritative original essays by leading figures from a range of disciplines and theoretical stances-anthropology, art history, history, literature, sociology, cultural studies, and museum studies proper.The book examines the complexity of the museum from cultural, political governance, curatorial, historical and representational perspectives. From traditional subjects, including space, display, buildings, and collecting, to more contemporary challenges and concerns, such as visiting, commerce, community and experimental exhibition forms, this Companion proves itself an indispensable reference for art historians, museum curators, and art and culture lovers.