In foundational museum studies literature of the past 50 years, museums have been called “temples,” “sacred groves,” and places to connect with “something higher, more sacred, and out-of-the-ordinary.” How do museums today engage religion and spirituality, with whom, and why? Can encounters with objects and exhibits move people beyond the material world to consider the divine, the transcendent, the magical? In what ways do museums serve the growing number who consider themselves “spiritual but not religious,” those of different faiths, and those of no faith? Considering global challenges, how could museums contribute further to spiritual well-being as well as our collective future?
These resources have been created from the religion & webinar.
The Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture Author
Center for the Study of Religion and American CultureInstitution
Institution Type
Teaching Module, Assignment, Video Resource Type
Class Type
2022 Date Published
Religious Studies, Area Studies, History Discipline
Religous Tradition
Business/Capitalism/Labor, Popular Culture/Media/Music/Sports, Race/Ethnicity Topics