From The 20th Century American Museum Education Idea To See The Evolution Of The Museum Education Role

Museum is an education institution based on "object evidence". Education is the core idea and key role of museum, which has become the soul of museum. The20th century is the period of shaping and developing the education idea and role of museum, which led the whole education role of museum have a fundamental revolution. This thesis takes American museum as its study object and discusses a few important education ideas and the process of role transiting related to American museum in20th century. It is to understand in depth the fundamental nature and role of museum, which can provide valuable historical experience and reference to China whose study efforts in education idea and role are insufficient.In the early20th century, the education ideas of Gilman and Dana reflected the controversy and disagreement about the nature of museum in art and education. Meanwhile, they led to the different education practices of Museum of Fine arts in Boston and Newark Museum.In the middle of20th century, the education idea changed. Instead of being regarded as one important function for museum, education was viewed as the essence of museum, indicating that the role of education in museum was becoming increasingly important. Eventually,"the Belmont Report" was established museum as an educational institution.In the late20th century, with the development of multiculturalism, American museum put forward new education ideas of "Excellence" and "Equity", making education as the core of public service. Such reports as "Excellence and Equity Report" totally advanced the education role of museum. Since then, education is the core function and key role of museum.Through reviewing the education idea and role of American museum and drawing lessons from them, we can think back to the twists and turns happened throughout the development of museum in China to find out the deficiencies and appropriate solutions and revelation.On the last few pages are listed some latest education cases carried out in Smithsonian Institution, which can act as your reference.