Moral Feeling in a Museum: Learning Through an Exemplar-Based Thematic Exhibition

Abstract

In this paper, I explore the rational and characteristics of exemplar-based thematic exhibitions as an approach to promoting children's moral feeling in China's museums. This approach concerns the interaction between historical events, moral exemplars, as well as children's emotional and moral experiences in the context of an exhibition on a particular theme. By analyzing the specific thematic exhibition titled Caretakers of the Mogao Caves, I will argue that, by focusing on relevant exemplars, affective stories, and reflective dialogues, museums can provide fertile ground for kindling children's moral feelings of empathy and developing their conscience.