Andrew G. Newby

National museums in the Nordics retain an important role in the creation and maintenance of a particular view of a country, its people and often its place within the Nordics. This view is presented to both outsiders and the people themselves. In 1800s, Nordic thinkers and museums influenced the inception of national museums elsewhere at a time when ‘nationing’ narratives was at its height. Whilst perhaps no less important today, these narratives of particular nations are not static and are interpreted dynamically and in various ways and exhibitions. Importantly, museums generally have developed a greater emphasis on and engagement with minority groups, didactics and community outreach (the Nordics being pioneers of the open air folk museum), and issues relevant to a post-industrial society.