Banned Books Museum
 The museum in May 2024 | |
 | |
| Established | December 2020 |
|---|---|
| Location | Tallinn, Estonia |
| Coordinates | 59°26′18″N 24°44′54″E / 59.438333°N 24.748333°E |
| Founder | Joseph Maximillian Dunnigan |
The Banned Books Museum (Estonian: Keelatud kirjanduse muuseum) in Tallinn, Estonia, is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of books that have been banned or censored around the world. The museum was created to promote freedom of speech and unrestricted access to information.[1]
History
[edit]The Banned Books Museum was established in December 2020 by Joseph Maximillian Dunnigan. Dunnigan, originally from Scotland,[2] developed an interest in issues related to censorship and freedom of speech during his time in China.[3] He later moved to Estonia, where he studied social entrepreneurship at Tallinn University and conceived the idea for the museum.[4][5]
Exhibits
[edit]The museum houses a collection of banned and censored books from various countries and time periods, showcasing the reasons behind their censorship and the impact of such actions on society. The collection includes a diverse range of books that have been banned for political, religious, social, or moral reasons. Notable exhibits include works by authors such as George Orwell, Salman Rushdie, and J.K. Rowling. Each exhibit provides context about the book, including the reasons for its banning and the broader cultural and historical implications. The stated purpose is for museum visitors to consider perspectives they might find offensive in other contexts. [6]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Banned Books Museum, Tallinn, Estonia". Atlas Obscura. June 22, 2023. Retrieved 2024-05-15.
- ^ R., Gia (January 22, 2021). "Exploring the Banned Books Museum in Tallinn". Book Riot. Retrieved 2024-05-15.
- ^ Hudson, David (30 June 2022). "How Tallinn's Banned Books Museum Defends Free Speech". Reader's Digest. Retrieved 2024-05-15.
- ^ "About Us - Banned Books Museum". Banned Books. Retrieved 2024-05-15.
- ^ Tambur, Silver (December 25, 2020). "A Museum of Banned Books Opens in Estonia". Estonian World. Retrieved 2024-05-15.
- ^ "Banned Books Museum". Visit Talinn. 31 Oct 2018. Retrieved 2024-05-15.