DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/NY78-3T49
Defense Date
1982
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Art Education
First Advisor
Dr. Bruce Koplin
Abstract
The history of the art museum's growth in America is presented in this thesis to place the development of the public art museum in the proper context. The museum has absorbed its sense of worth and power from the people who shaped its policy and believed in its ability to accomplish positive feats. Its growth as a force in the art world was subtle and studied, but amazingly complete. The museum which doubts its ability to persuade, convince, educate and entertain does not long survive. Examining the people and their attitudes with whom the museums had the most contact and noting its response to the world in which it has operated, the parallels are strikingly similar. The museum is strong because groups contributed to its growth and maturity; its weaknesses are those in which the three factions were also less effective. There are no hard and fast truths to prove this theory -- but examination of its plausability is a valuable tool for understanding how the museum became such an important institution of our time.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
June 2008