You might try "The Formation of National Collections of Art and Archaeology" edited by Gwendolyn Wright and published in 1996 by the National Gallery of Art (CASVA Symposium Papers XXVII)  papers are from an October 1991 symposium held at the Gallery.  

>>> Steven Lubar <[log in to unmask]> 11/30/99 09:43AM >>>
Can anyone suggest useful reading on the idea of a national museum: when
was it invented, what has it meant to different countries at different
times? Thanks for any advice.

Steve Lubar
National Museum of American History

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