Eleventh International Conference on The Inclusive Museum

Abstract

What constitutes an intercultural space? Can the history of a building naturally foster cross-cultural engagement and intercultural dialogue, or do we, as museum professionals, actively shape and prioritise elements of its history to create a shared space? How do we use intercultural spaces to foster and promote dialogue, interaction and cognitive change within diverse communities? The Museum of Immigration at 19 Princelet Street, in the historically diverse East End of London, is a microcosmic representation of the waves of migration and diversity that came and settled in the surrounding area. Since its construction in 1719, the building has housed a range of incoming migrant groups and acted as a religious and cultural centre point for others. Having been bought by the Spitalfield’s Centre Charity in the 1980s, the building was transformed into the Museum of Immigration. Based on findings from PhD research, this paper presents a case study of the Museum of Immigration to analyse how the tangible and intangible markers of history that exist within the building are used to foster ongoing engagement and intercultural dialogue with diverse communities. I explore such elements as the relationship between the Museum and the surrounding area, consider how the use of intercultural space actively fosters physical engagement with history and the experiences of others, and how the process of engagement and dialogue can be built and expanded upon with each new set of visitors.