Manuel Borja-Villel, a key figure in international museum management, recently concluded his role as an advisor to the Generalitat de Catalunya, where he reexamined the public museum ecosystem under a program named Museu Habitat. His two-and-a-half-year project aimed to ignite discussions on the future of museums in the 21st century. In his newly delivered report, Borja-Villel emphasizes the need for structural changes within the museum sector, particularly urging enhancements in labor conditions and challenging the endless expansion narrative that characterizes many cultural institutions today.

In his report, Borja-Villel notably highlights how current museums often reflect societal violence and precariousness, which he argues detracts from their role as cultural sanctuaries. Instead of simply increasing the number of exhibitions and spaces, he advocates for a radical reassessment of the purpose and impact of museums in contemporary society. This perspective is critical as it raises questions about the sustainability of existing models while also acknowledging the urgent need for inclusivity and accessibility in cultural institutions.

Additionally, Borja-Villel champions the restitution of cultural artifacts, asserting that many pieces currently held in museums belong to communities and nations that originally created them. His statements invite museum directors and policymakers around the world to rethink not only the operational mechanisms of museums but also their ethical responsibilities, marking a pivotal shift towards more conscientious and representative cultural establishments.