Date of Award

12-31-2025

Document Type

Campus Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

First Advisor

Maria John

Second Advisor

Jane Becker

Third Advisor

Olivia Weisser

Abstract

Museums play a critical role in preserving and sharing the collective history, culture and advancements of humanity. In today's digital age, they are not just repositories of artifacts but also platforms that inspire creativity, critical thinking, and innovation, while embracing multicultural inclusivity. As institutions that have a significant education role, museums help bridge the gap between past and present, offering communities a space to engage with diverse histories. In the context of Asian cultural museums across the United States, however, a troubling pattern of misrepresentation persists. This study critically examines three prominent Asian cultural museums- the National Museum of Asian Art, the Wing Luke Museum of Asian Pacific American Experiences, and the Museum of Chinese in America- highlighting their successes and failures in representing authentic Asian American voices, stories and artistry. The research aims to show how these museums confront issues of cultural stereotypes, misrepresentation, and appropriation and how they engage with the communities they represent.

Through an analysis of how the museums are organized, the diversity in their collections, and of their staffing and community outreach, this study reveals several underlying problems with Asian American representation in these museums, particularly the limited inclusion of contemporary art and artists. Despite a growing number of Asian American visitors, disparities in the representation of Asian artists in these major museums suggests a significant gap in visibility. This research will explore how factors like museum size, budget, and location, influence representation practices, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and accurate portrayals. By examining key elements- what is displayed, how museums engage with their communities, and who makes the decisions behind the scenes- this study offers insights into how these museums can evolve to contribute to a more empathetic and accurate understanding of Asian American culture and history.

Comments

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