Trapped in Time: Gender Representation in Archaeological Museum Exhibitions in Europe

This chapter assesses the extent to which gender-informed narratives exist in archaeological exhibitions in Europe in the twenty-first century. It does so by examining a selection of permanent and temporary exhibitions organised in museums but not exclusively, based on the authors’ personal observations during museum visits and the review of current publications on gender in archaeological museums. The chapter argues that the integration of gender-balanced and diverse representations, and of the current knowledge about gender in the archaeological past, is rather the exception than the norm in European exhibitions. The chapter explores the multiple reasons behind this reality, which vary from the communication gap between gender archaeologists and museum professionals, to mentalities embedded in conservative socio-cultural contexts, priorities of political agendas, funding, as well as little awareness of, or openness to, gender issues.