Abstract
The study encompasses a bibliometric analysis of the classical cultural organizations (museums, libraries and theaters), considering the mainstream academic research documenting the relationships between these organizations and their communities. The first part discusses how these organizations’ focus and commitments have shifted from passive cultural aims, observing a social and educational turn towards communities. We observe a redefinition of their core purposes, becoming dynamic community and social spaces that promote sustainable development, social enrichment and wellbeing. They are no longer temples of culture, but complex hubs, spaces for engagement. Mainstream academic research gives more attention to the transformations in the library sector. Nevertheless, overall, it captures the transformations in all cultural organizations investigated, highlighting the importance of technology, community engagement and interdisciplinary approaches, as well as their growing significance in community development and wellbeing.