"Exhibitionary Complex" (theoretical concept)

The "Exhibitionary Complex" is a concept that describes how societies use public displays—like museums, monuments, and exhibitions—to shape collective identity, reinforce cultural values, and exert social control. It suggests that these displays are not just about sharing knowledge or art but also serve to present a particular narrative about history, power, or community. In this way, the exhibitionary complex functions as a tool through which societies organize, interpret, and sometimes manipulate collective memory and identity, influencing how people understand themselves and their place within a larger social framework.