Gods and Things: Religious Objects in Museums

Museums throughout the world contain millions of "religious" objects. In the past they were often shorn of their religious meaning, and were displayed as works of art, historic evidence, or scientific specimens. Today museums are beginning to recognise and respect their religious meaning – often in response to the demands of communities from which they originally came. We will explore some of the challenges this trend presents, but we will also consider the wonderful opportunity museums have to contribute to the public understanding of religion and so – hopefully – to religious harmony.

Crispin Paine was a social history curator for many years; since retirement he has expanded his interest in the links between religion and museums and other visitor attractions. He is now Co-Chair of the 'Religion, Collections & Heritage Group'.