The museum as a symbol of the contemporary city

Abstract

Since the 1980s, it has become customary to promote culture through building and renovating museums and contemporary art centres, as well as holding fairs, biennials and other types of exhibition that publicise the urban environment in which they are situated. This new concept of using museums as cultural regenerators is closely connected to political interests that seek to promote an up-to-date image of modern democracy and the associated urban regeneration, as has happened in Spain since its transition to democracy. One of the main ways to redefine a city’s image is by promoting contemporary art centres that enhance the city’s reputation, as well as that of the political party in power. In turn, the museums reflect on this way of understanding the city, are aware of the importance of generating synergies with their social context and run exhibition programmes that people can relate to.