Socjotopografia Krakowa 1257–1939. Program naukowy Muzeum Krakowa. Geneza, zakres, perspektywy

Abstract

SOCIAL TOPOGRAPHY OF KRAKÓW 1257–1939. A RESEARCH PROGRAMME LAUNCHED BY THE MUSEUM OF KRAKÓW: ITS GENESIS, SCOPE AND PERSPECTIVES

The paper introduces a new research programme dedicated to the social topography of Kraków which has recently been included in the Museum of Kraków’s research activity plans. The text attempts to explain why a museum, i.e. an organization whose research work traditionally focuses on its collections, enters a research domain which is primarily associated with academic institutions. This decision results from two circumstances. Firstly, in the light of the new constitutive acts for museums worldwide, and especially in the light of the new definition of a museum approved by ICOM on 24 August 2022 in Prague, we witness a clear turn in museums’ activities from focusing strictly on collections towards granting primary position to the audience. The new research programme – as the name itself implies – introduces the social context into the realm of our reflection upon the city, and the very recognition of this aspect should be considered to be a key, contemporary goal in the activity of museums. Secondly, contemporary research projects on social topography which cause a significant turmoil in the academic discourse on cities are almost entirely based on written sources, losing sight of the heritage of material culture which is usually placed at the disposal of museums. Underlying the decision to launch a new research programme at the Museum of Kraków which will last for a number of years are both of the arguments listed above.