The Role of Museums in the Social and Economic Development of Contemporary States

Abstract

The article is a theoretical analysis identifying the sources of the growth in importance of museums in many contemporary societies. It shows how the evolution of museum functions broadens the range of their activities and encourages them to diversify financing. Such a development contributes in turn to the growth of the economic significance of museums.
The article also discusses methodological problems that make it very difficult to identify the optimum level and modes of public financing. It also points to the non-pecuniary nature of social benefits as the main cause with the economic optimisation of public subsidies to museums.
The article argues that the quantitative expansion of the sector of museums stems in large part from their transformation from an institution of heritage protection into institutions of informal education and entertainment.