Editoriale [a: Elephant & Castle n. 21]

This editorial introduces the thematic focus of Elephant & Castle No. 21 (Dove va il museo), reflecting on the challenges and futures of museums as social and cultural institutions. The text discusses contemporary debates about museum digitalisation and communicative strategies, moving beyond the tension between virtual and real toward narratives that reconnect museums with communities and territories. Contributions surveyed in the issue highlight diverse approaches—including technological innovation, design of participatory experiences, and narrative forms—as essential for museums’ evolution. The editorial underscores the importance of inclusive, dialogical, and context‑aware museological practices that can reinforce museums’ social responsibility and capacity to generate meaningful engagement and knowledge within and beyond institutional boundaries.