The Tenth Norwegian Conference on the History of Science

Presents keynote 1:

Bergen museum 1825. Knowledge for a Public Sphere

Anne Eriksen, University of Oslo

According to the recent definition of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), a museum is “a not-for-profit, permanent institution in the service of society”. When Bergen museum opened in 1825, it was likewise defined as an independent, public institution. It was the first collection in Norway not privately owned, nor part of the University. However, the civil society of which this museum was a part was very different from that which museums are supposed to serve in the contemporary world.

This keynote will discuss how the new museum in Bergen conceptualized its relation to the public and its role in the public sphere. The museum identified itself as a scientific institution with educational purposes, but how could science be made public when higher education was still the privilege of the select few? How did Bergen museum present its agenda and aims to the public, and how were the connections between science and civil society articulated and performed?

Where: The University Museum of Bergen, Natural History: Tårnsalen.

When: Thursday 6th. of November, at 09.45-10.30 AM.

Entry: Main entrance from 09.30 - 09.40, (please be on time, the museum does not open til 10.00 AM, and the doors will be closed after entry).

Limited seats available, please secure your ticket in advance.