The rise of modernism, archaeology, and anthropology reshaped the way objects were understood and displayed. No longer merely showcases of national pride, museums began to explore questions of cultural identity and human diversity. The establishment of ethnographic museums, such as the Musée de l’Homme in Paris, reflected a growing interest in non-Western societies — though often filtered through a colonial perspective.
Simultaneously, cultural centers began to emerge as distinct institutions. While museums traditionally focused on preserving and displaying objects, cultural centers were created to foster community participation and creative exchange. The idea of the cultural center took root in the twentieth century as nations and communities sought spaces that would celebrate living culture rather than merely historical artifacts. These centers became places for performance, education, dialogue, and the transmission of traditions.
In the aftermath of World War II, cultural institutions took on new importance. The destruction of heritage across Europe and Asia underscored the fragility of human culture. UNESCO, founded in 1945, emphasized the protection of cultural heritage as essential to world peace. Museums and cultural centers were encouraged to promote understanding among nations. The postwar era also saw the decolonization of Africa and Asia, prompting many countries to establish national museums and cultural centers as expressions of newly gained independence and identity. shutdown123