{"id":15252,"date":"2025-11-18T16:35:22","date_gmt":"2025-11-18T20:35:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/monastere.ca\/?p=15252"},"modified":"2025-12-03T10:42:40","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T14:42:40","slug":"the-caring-museum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/monastere.ca\/en\/culture-2\/the-caring-museum\/","title":{"rendered":"The Caring Museum\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

In a world where museums are sometimes seen as places disconnected from social and human realities, the concept of caring museum\u2014or museum that cares\u2014offers an approach that reimagines the museum\u2019s role. It becomes a space that fosters well-being, listening, and connection with oneself and with others. The visitor is placed at the heart of the experience.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n

The notion of care, which is drawing the attention of a growing number of museum institutions, is rooted at Le Monast\u00e8re in a historical continuity with the healing mission inherited from the Augustinian sisters. Inspired by this 400-year hospital tradition that permeates the very walls of the site, the new permanent exhibition at Le Mus\u00e9e du Monast\u00e8re des Augustines offers an experience grounded in care. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n

Through the exhibition Resonances. From Their Lives To Ours<\/a><\/em>, whose official opening will take place on December 18, 2025, this approach fully comes to life: a way of inhabiting space differently, of forming a relationship with objects\u2014and, perhaps, with oneself.

<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n

Caring museum: what is it?<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

The concept of caring museum is based on the notion of care developed by American sociologist Joan Tronto, who defines it as a collective responsibility that goes beyond medical care to encompass all forms of human support.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n

Museum specialists Anik Meunier and Nathalie Bondil, inspired by movements in museum therapy and art therapy, developed a museum approach centered on well-being3. They chose to build upon Joan Tronto\u2019s model of care4 and adapt it to the museum context by designing spaces attentive to the needs for listening, respect, and support that may arise throughout the visitor\u2019s journey.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n

They identified four key stages from Tronto\u2019s framework:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n