MEHR ALS NUR KUGELN: Die Vision eines Kurators von einem neuen Globenmuseum in Wien

The Globe Museum at the Austrian National Library, established almost a half century ago, is considered the only one of its kind in the world. Until now, it has presented itself principally as a globe collection. With the acquisition of a new building for the library, with a floor dedicated to an enlarged globe museum, it is possible to apply new concepts to the organization of the museum and the display of the globes, with a greater emphasis on communicating with the visitor. After a short description of the history and present situation of the globe museum, the intended changes are described. These include dividing the collection into two parts: one for research, the other to be in a permanently visible exhibition area, arranged according to the concepts and demands of museology. Considering the globe from several thematic points of view, a comprehensive interpretation and presentation of the globe as an object will be attempted, including technical aspects (cartography, production, use, etc.) as well as aspects of cultural history (the globe as a symbol, as a collector's item, along with aspects of perception). Museum visitors should learn not only about the appearance but also about the meaning of globes - at times evident, at times hidden.