The Origins of Museums: The Cabinet of Curiosities in Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century Europe

Oliver Impey, Arthur MacGregor

British Museum, 2000 - Antiques & Collectibles - 356 pages

A comprehensive account of an extraordinary phenomenon which developed in 16th- and 17th-century Europe - the cabinet of curiosities or Wunderkammer - in which are to be found the beginnings of museums as we know them. Cabinets reflected all the intellectual curiosity of the age.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Origins of Museums: The Cabinet of Curiosities in Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century Europe
• Authors: Oliver Impey, Arthur MacGregor
• Editors: Oliver Impey, Arthur MacGregor
• Edition: 2, illustrated
• Publisher: British Museum, 2000
• ISBN: 071412737X, 9780714127378
• Length: 356 pages
• Subjects: Antiques & Collectibles / General; Travel / Museums, Tours, Points of Interest