Activism in Museums and the Ethical Turn of ICOM

Abstract

This study explores the challenges and inherent contradictions within the new definition of the museum proposed by ICOM (International Council of Museums) in 2022, in light of the actions undertaken by climate activists within museum institutions. Following ICOM’s declaration of an "ethical turning point," movements such as Just Stop Oil and Last Generation initiated a series of protests that, while promoting an ecological message, raised important questions about the neutrality and impartiality of museums. These events have highlighted the tensions embedded in ICOM’s definition of the museum, which, despite its emphasis on inclusivity and universal ethics, clashes with the realities of museums operating within different national and cultural contexts. The article analyzes ICOM’s and museum institutions' responses, with a particular focus on Italy, to demonstrate how reactions to activists vary across countries, undermining the effectiveness of ICOM’s proposed universal museum model. Furthermore, the study examines how the concept of "neutrality" is problematic in the museum context, where curatorial choices and the display of artworks are inevitably influenced by political and social dynamics. Through critical and comparative analysis, the paper suggests that ICOM’s definition of the museum is insufficient and ambiguous, failing to adequately address the challenges raised by activist movements, and reveals the contradictions of a model that claims universality yet fails to integrate local realities and the complex ethical issues tied to its implementation.