One of the most frequently overlooked areas of the museum world are those museums and museum-like facilities that are part of manufacturing and other types of companies. Usually known as corporate museums, galleries, or visitor centers, they have other names, such as exhibit halls, history rooms, sculpture gardens, information centers, and even halls of fame. In general, they are exhibit-based facilities owned and operated by publicly traded or privately held companies as public relations, marketing, and/or personnel relations vehicles. In some cases, however, they are operated through foundations started and largely funded and controlled by companies.
This unique and comprehensive guide describes more than 300 such corporate museums, galleries, and visitor centers from throughout the world. These facilities are often not listed in conventional museum directories. As part of a corporate organization, they generally do not receive the visibility, publicity, and recognition accorded most nonprofit museums. This volume provides the first comprehensive directory of corporate museums, galleries, and visitors' centers. Those interested in these unusual museums, as well as the companies that house them, will want to own a copy of this unique reference work.