Who Has a Right to the Museum? Representation and Belonging in Children’s Books About Going to an Art Museum

Abstract

Children’s books play an important role in providing windows and mirrors to young people on a variety of academic content, social issues, and personal experiences. Numerous books introduce young people to the art museum. The text and illustrations of these books send messages about who belongs in museums as a visitor and what kinds of art are worthy of curation. Content analysis grounded in critical race theory and the right to the city reveals that museums are still portrayed as institutions that are based on White norms and culture, from the preponderance of visitors in the galleries to the art on the walls. Story lines illustrate how children’s race is connected to the alienation and escape, interaction with art, enjoyment, and identification that children experience when visiting the art museum.