Heritage and Religion

How can museums deal with collections from colonial pasts? What is the significance of religious heritage in a secular society? And how is heritage be used by minorities to protect their traditions?

Heritage has become a significant topic in contemporary debates. In the coming years, many religious buildings will lose their original function. National and European budgets are dedicating millions of euros to the development of plans to address religious heritage buildings, and their re-use. Tourism and pilgrimage to religious objects, sites, and festivals are booming, which raises questions about sustainability and impact.

At the same time, large-scale migration and secularization are changing the religious identities of communities, and the way they perceive the past. The demands of preservation of at risk material and immaterial heritage in the face of war, displacement, population shifts, and climate change are great. How are preservation concerns balanced with available resources, and conflicting interests?

This is a unique interdisciplinary track at the interface of religion, identity, history, politics, and heritage studies. It challenges you to contribute your own voice and position to these debates. And during your placement, you will be able to apply your critical and analytical skills to current challenges and developments facing the heritage sector nowadays.