NOSTALGIC MUSEUMS: A CASE STUDY OF HOUSE OF MUSEUMS

Abstract

This research aims to study the management style of nostalgic museums, including the interpretation and communication of meaning in ‘cultural heritage in a museum’. The research was conducted, by case study, on the House of Museums (a private museum in Bangkok). Documentary research, participant observations and in-depth interviews were all used in this study. Some key features of the management of this nostalgic museum by House of Museums revealed: 1) a non-profit and family-styled operation; 2) business management focused on generating financial support for the museum; 3) visitors were given the opportunity to interact with displays; 4) an ancient-market theme and content. The latter was seen to enhance the tourists understanding of the museum’s goals and objectives; while their nostalgia can be satisfied according to the principle of interpretation and communication of meaning of cultural heritage.