Museums are a city phenomenon, one element within a suite of cultural institutions which most major urban centres support. In the 19th century, museums were established as evidence of urban sophistication, a credential of new and enlightened local government. They aimed to provide vistas significantly broader than the local. Today, however, the agenda is very different. Within the majority of cities there are museums dedicated to exploring the city itself. The contributors consider the making of city histories from very different perspectives and within a number of theoretical frameworks. They use case studies and comparisons of practice; in particular, good practice is highlighted and potential ways forward explored.