Museums as zoos: a critique of cultural institutions

Franco Broccardi argues that museums increasingly resemble zoos, trapping artworks in sterile displays that fail to engage with contemporary thought. Drawing on Hito Steyerl's idea that museums are about the future, not the past, and John Berger's critique of zoos, Broccardi contends that lockdown ended hyperkinetic tourism and audience engagement, forcing museums to transform from voyeuristic attractions into social hubs. He points to American zoos and aquariums as models that have successfully redefined themselves as research centers and environmental advocates despite fragile funding. Broccardi calls for museums to become political, hybrid spaces for reflection, dialogue, and protest, shedding sacredness for humanity and acting as connectors of knowledge and people. The article was published on Artribune Magazine #56.