ESHS/HSS Annual Meeting

The Construction of Historical Landscapes of Science and Technology in Science-related Museums: A Transformation from "Knowledge Space" to "Symbiotic Perspectives"

• In Event: Museums of "Modern" Science

English Abstract

Science-related museums, as important venues for the dissemination of science history and public education, construct and present different historical landscapes of science and technology by showcasing different slices of global scientific and technological development from various perspectives through exhibit selection, exhibition design, and visitor flow planning. Essentially, they are "knowledge spaces" emphasizing localized knowledge. Against the backdrop of globalization and the collision of diverse cultures, traditional "knowledge space" style science-related museums not only easily overlook the socio-cultural embeddedness of scientific practice, but also struggle to respond to the public demand for diverse interpretations of the history of science. This article focuses on the exhibitions of contemporary scientific controversies such as climate change and gene editing in science-related museums, selecting the reconstruction of the "History of Medicine" exhibition area at the Science Museum in London and the cross-cultural narrative of "The River of Life" at the Shanghai Natural History Museum to explore the transformation trend of "symbiotic perspectives" in science-related museums, providing insights for discussing the relationship between science and technology and society.

Author

• ZHENGSHAN JIAO