Maintaining Tradition, Ethnic Diversity or Discrimination in the Dollhouse?

A New Look at Traditional Museum Practice Using the Example of the Doll and Toy Museum Baden near Vienna

Abstract

The small Lower Austrian Doll and Toy Museum in Baden, which addresses both children and adults, is used as an example to critically look at current practice of presenting and naming doll exhibits in relation to the issue of ethnic diversity. These considerations are linked to contemporary discourses on (ethnic) discrimination, Eurocentrism and racism. The question is raised to what extent a critical view on outdated and discriminatory forms of museum presentations can be or become a starting point for a more differentiated and innovative museum practice even when it comes to more traditionally oriented doll museums. This article cannot provide ready-made solutions, but should contribute to the problematization of current practice.