Traditionally, museums have been established on the basis of collections. However, some of today’s most challenging and dynamic museums are those founded on the basis of ideas. Their themes may span human rights, social inclusion, peace, war, health, gender, climate change... Their size, budget, scope and ambitions may differ, but they are all driven and committed in a way which tends to set them apart. Museums of Ideas: Commitment and Conflict provides a unique insight into the operation of these committed, often pioneering, sometimes challenging, institutions, and highlights what can be learned from their experiences - and applied to benefit the broader museum community and its users.

Museums of Ideas is written by leading museum specialists and focuses on pioneering and innovative institutions in many different countries: Afghanistan, Australia, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, UK, and USA.