Cities, Museums and Soft Power is a must read for museum leaders who grapple with their institution's role in building cultural infrastructure locally or globally. Readable, instructive and compelling, this book builds the case for museums as strong, society-minded networks that can deftly employ soft power to accelerate cultural change and empower citizens at home or around the world.

Melody Kanschat, Executive Director, Getty Leadership Institute

In this important and timely book, Gail Dexter Lord and Ngaire Blakenberg have brought together an innovative array of essays that not only answer the perennial question of why museums matter, but also suggest a blueprint for how museums can exercise more influence and be of greater value to their urban communities. This is a must-read for those who care about culture, museums and the evolution of our communities in the 21st century.

Lonnie G. Bunch, Founding Director, National Museum of African American History and Culture

The authors build a compelling argument as they explore what's next for cities, museums, and soft power, framing the international conversation about the future in fresh and provocative ways. A fascinating book.

Jim Thompson, Founder, Museum Next, London