摘要：This article reports findings from empirical research carried out by the author at two heritagesites in the north west of England. The research was conducted at the Museum of Scienceand Industry in Manchester and at Wigan Pier in Wigan. These sites are heritage-basedattractions and both are registered as museums with the Museums and GalleriesCommission.1The Museum of Science and Industry (hereafter the Museum) opened atManchester's Castlefield site in 1983. Significantly, its city centre location, and its situationin Castlefield, the first English urban heritage park, suggested that the Museum offeredpotential for exploring the role of heritage in urban economic regeneration. Moreover, as theMuseum also claimed to be a 'place of fun and fascination, with working exhibits bringing thepast vividly to life' (Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester nd: 4), it appeared to bea site whose approach to visitors was characterized by a shift away from traditional museumpractices and towards a more democratizing style. Wigan Pier (hereafter the Pier) wasopened in 1985, and is an important example of attempts by local authorities to use tourismand tourist sites to transform an area's image. Furthermore, the Pier with its use of liveperformances, simulacra, and tangible reconstructions appeared to epitomize many of therecent developments in the heritage industry
