Features
Read the full transcript of the MJ roundtable debate
Museums Journal brought together eight leading figures in the sector and asked them to discuss what museums are for. The results of their thinking are enlightening, entertaining, and, in places, surprising...
Live and kicking
Maria Balshaw, the director of the Whitworth Art Gallery, is overseeing plans for a £12m extension and experimenting with daring ways of attracting more visitors with the use of performance art. She talks to Simon Stephens.
Rich seams
On the 25th anniversary of the miners' strike, Ceri Thompson, the curator of the Big Pit, has been looking back at an event that changed his life forever. By Simon Stephens
This is today
Iwona Blazwick tells Simon Stephens how the expanded Whitechapel Gallery is building on its illustrious past.
Well chuffed
It was Steve Davies's passion for railways that eventually led the former soldier to the helm of the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, writes Simon Stephens.
The Museum of…Our pick of the UK’s specialist collections: December 2008
Nene Valley Railway prides itself on a vast collection of engines as well as its very own Thomas, writes Louise Gray
Evolutionary fervour
It will be difficult to escape Darwin this year as museums, galleries and others celebrate a double anniversary, says Simon Stephens
Family values
Simon Stephens hears why Rhian Harris wants to make the Museum of Childhood a place for adults as well as kids.
Facing forwards
When the directorship of the Dulwich Picture Gallery came up, it took Ian Dejardin all of 20 minutes to make his choice. By Simon Stephens.
Nation building
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is about to undergo a major facelift led by its director, James Holloway. Simon Stephens hears about his plans.