A Study On Interpretation And Exhibition Of Chinese Archaeological Site Museum

The first archaeological site museum in China was established more than 50 years ago. Now there are more than 100 archaeological site museums in China. Based on current research findings, this thesis looks into the development and problems of archaeological site museums in China, and investigates three issues:How to apply archaeological research to the work of archaeological site museums? What is expected to be seen in an archaeological site museum? What exhibiting strategies can be used in archaeological site museums?This thesis demonstrates that archaeological research is at the centre of the work of archaeological site museums, which forms the main body of museum display and interpretation. In a sense, archaeological site museum is the window to publicise archaeological findings. Bearing this in mind, archaeologists should have the awareness of’broadcasting’ archaeological research to the public in every phase of their work, from orchestrating field work, to reporting excavation findings, to conducting research and analysis. This will break the barriers between archaeologists and the public, and provide support to archaeological museums.Interpretation is another crucial aspect of the work in archaeological site museums. The thesis argues that there should be three layers of interpretation in archaeological site museums:archaeological knowledge, archaeological process, and the significance of archaeological work. The idea is to show not only the physical findings of archaeological research, but also the methods, processes and significance of archaeological work. The thesis proposes to apply 5W1H framework (who, when, where, what, why and how) to the various aspects of archaeological interpretation at museums, such as the reappearance of excavations and archaeological research, as well as people’s life and work in the past.Exhibiting strategy is also key to museum work. Once exhibited in a museum, excavations are separated from their original environments, thus it is of great importance for museums to re-contextualise and animate the excavations. Good archaeological museums are good at telling stories through excavations and archaeological sites. It should be noted that while artistic methods can be used to interpret the exhibits, they should always be based on authentic research findings, as archaeological museums are scientific educational institutions.