Master Thesis: The Process of Decolonising through Exhibitions

This thesis highlights the colonial discourse that categorises collections in museums, perpetuating Western-centric thinking and differentiating between cultures instead of fostering connection. Decolonising the museum requires the removal of colonial categorisation and racial justification of objects in museums, as well as confronting visitors about the wrongdoings of colonial history, which involves critically examining and challenging colonial narratives through exhibitions. The research examines the decolonisation process and the intention behind the curator's ideology in three Dutch museums - "Ons Koloniaal Verleden" by Wereldmuseum Amsterdam, "Koloniaal Den Haag: Een onvoltooid verleden" by Haags Historisch Museum and "Ons Land, dekolonisatie, generaties, verhalen" by Museum Sophiahof.- and their engagement with the Dutch colonial legacy. The thesis uses qualitative embedded examination, qualitative content analysis, and the social performance model as research methods. It aims to provide an in-depth understanding of decolonisation and how postcolonial criticism is incorporated into museum practice.