Identity Narratives and Images about Cultural Diversity at Cultural History Museums in Denmark

There is a strong and negatively charged public and political focus on immigration, refugees, and multiculturalism which has intensified in recent years. Although there are also countering voices, the shift from a national identity marked by openness and humanitarian values has been immense. The following paper begins to look at the role of key national museums, as central conveyors and communicators of national identity. Drawing on the idea of institutional work, the paper sees museums as actively engaged in the debate in particular through the way in which they frame themselves, their art and artefacts. The paper tentatively concludes that both the National Gallery of Denmark and National Museum of Denmark position themselves strongly for a multicultural Denmark, with a distinctly positive view on immigration, refugees and multiculturalism.