Museum

Museum of World Culture

Gothenburg Municipality, Sweden

Museum of World Culture is a museum in Gothenburg Municipality, Sweden. 2 works from its collection are in this catalog, including Emanuel A. Petersen.

About Museum of World Culture

The National Museum of World Culture opened in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2004. It is a part of the public authority Swedish National Museums of World Cultures and builds on the collections of the former Göteborgs Etnografiska Museum that closed down in the year 2000. Its aim is to interpret the subject of world culture in an interdisciplinary way. The museum is situated next to the Universeum science centre and the amusement park Liseberg, and close to Korsvägen.

"The museum interprets the concept of world culture in a dynamic and open-ended manner. On the one hand, various cultures are incorporating impulses from each other and becoming more alike. On the other hand, local, national, ethnic and gender differences are shaping much of that process.

Building & Architecture

The museum is housed in a distinctive cement and glass building designed by the architectural firm Brisac Gonzalez Architects, a French-Cuban-English partnership selected through an international competition. The structure is situated on a slope leading up to the Liseberg amusement park and is characterized by its graceful, compact, and modernistic design. A defining feature is the four-storey glass atrium which offers views of the surrounding mountains and woods.

The exhibition halls are located in the closed part of the building facing Södra vägen, with upper storeys cantilevering 5 meters over a footpath. A 43-meter-long display window allows passers-by to view the largest exhibition hall directly.

Collection Highlights & Philosophy

The museum manages significant collections inherited from its predecessor, the Göteborgs Etnografiska Museum. While many objects are not yet fully searchable in the digital database, the institution is committed to making its holdings available on the public domain. The museum's philosophy emphasizes transparency and the importance of individuals and groups knowing what collections are managed.

The organization acknowledges that information regarding objects varies, with some having extensive documentation and pictures while others have limited data. Historical records are published as they are, even if the wording may seem obsolete or offensive, to preserve the historical context of the objects.

Significance & Mission

The Museum of World Culture aims to function as a platform for dialogues and reflections where diverse voices can be heard and controversial topics discussed. It seeks to be a place where people feel at home while engaging with global cultures. The institution plays a vital role in the Swedish cultural landscape by bridging the gap between historical ethnographic collections and contemporary societal issues.

Its location in Gothenburg and its architectural design are intended to make it a central meeting point for curiosity and cultural exchange.