School of Museum Studies

Research Centre for Museums and Galleries

The Research Centre for Museums and Galleries (RCMG) was established in 1999 in response to the growing need for research and evaluation within the sector, in particular around the relationship between museums, galleries and their audiences. Since then, the centre has grown significantly and has earned a reputation for its high quality, innovative and influential research. Whilst much of this work takes museums and galleries as its focus, recent policy developments have provided opportunities for collaborative work with libraries, archives and other agencies.

RCMG benefits from its position within the University of Leicester’s School of Museum Studies, enabling projects to draw upon cutting-edge conceptual research. Research findings develop knowledge about museums and galleries, their roles, impact and value within societies. These outcomes inform both professional and academic debate as well as the development of policy, strategy and practice across the cultural sector.

The major research themes of RCMG include:

• Education and access in museums, galleries, libraries and archives
• Museum communication and visitors’ interpretive strategies
• Learning processes and learning outcomes
• The social role and impact of museums and galleries
• The museum’s potential to engage with contemporary social issues (in particular, through collections, exhibitions and displays)

One key characteristic of the work of RCMG is the evaluation of national, multi-project educational programmes; case studies of individual museums have also been carried out. Action research is used in some projects where practitioners work as an integral part of the research process.

RCMG comprises a distinct research group within the School of Museum Studies. Academics from within the School of Museum Studies and other university departments participate in research and research teams have also included international members.

Research projects and funding

Research projects are initiated in a variety of ways, including applying for research grants, direct commissioning and responding to invitations to tender. RCMG secures funding to develop its own evolving research agenda growing out of contemporary developments in museum theory and practice and the interests and expertise of staff within the Centre and the Department. For example the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) has funded investigations into the interpretive strategies of visitors to art galleries and the (under/mis) representation of disabled people in museum and gallery collections. Research has also been undertaken for a wide variety of organisations. These have included the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council; Department for Culture, Media and Sport; the Heritage Lottery Fund; the Arts Council of England; the European Commission; ENGAGE; East Midlands Museums, Archives and Libraries Council; West Midlands Museum Service and individual museums such as Harewood House, Glasgow Museums, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, National Museums and Galleries of Wales, the National Gallery and the British Museum.

Research Teams are brought together to meet the specific needs and requirements of each project. Team members may be drawn from existing RCMG staff, and School of Museum Studies and University of Leicester academics, and may also involve the recruitment of designated researchers, external specialists and consultants.

A list of RCMG projects and downloads can be accessed from the link below:

RCMG Projects and Reports

Further information

For further information or to discuss the commissioning of research or evaluation please contact:

Jocelyn Dodd
Director
Tel: +44 (0)116 252 3995
jad25@le.ac.uk

Research Centre for Museums and Galleries
School of Museum Studies
University of Leicester
105 Princess Road East
Leicester
LE1 7LG

Tel: +44(0)116 252 3963
Fax: +44(0)116 252 3960

RCMG@le.ac.uk

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