How did this get here?

The concept of the museum as an institution is inextricably linked to histories of colonialism and Enlightenment notions of classification. Museums today are looking to decolonial or anti-colonial futures. How do we talk about these nuanced and complex institutional histories?

This selection of objects, exhibitions, articles, and other resources features deep-dives into specific works as well as first-person perspectives on institutional legacies.

Reading List

How Did This Get Here?
How did this get here?

These resources provide additional context for dialogue and conversation around the case studies featured in this section and other ongoing work at the museum.

Collection Research

How did this get here?

The staff of the RISD Museum stewards works of art representing diverse cultures, from ancient times to the present. Our work includes archival, scientific, and humanities-based research.

The Head in Focus

Benin Art and Visual History
How did this get here?

The discovery of these treasures resembles that of a valuable manuscript. They are a new “Codex Africanus,” not written on fragile papyrus, but in ivory and imperishable brass.