A museum is an institution that is “not-for-profit, permanent and in the service of society and communities that researches, collects, conserves, interprets and exhibits tangible and intangible heritage” and works in active partnership with diverse communities. Museums are open to the public and serve multiple audiences for education, enjoyment, inspiration and reflection. Museums are committed to sustainable and responsible operation, and operate ethically and professionally.
A museum can be anything from a historical house to an aquarium. But there’s one thing all museums have in common: they are collections of artifacts. Museums hold the past in trust, and they’re the ultimate learning environment. Museums make it easy for anyone to learn about the world around them, allowing people to get up close to objects they might not otherwise be able to see or touch.
While museums have many purposes — from recreational and scholarly venues to a source of national pride — they all strive to preserve and interpret the cultural consciousness of their communities. The old ICOM definition focused on chronicling the past, but the new definition adds a more modern component, encouraging museums to engage with current and future communities by “working in active partnership for human dignity and social justice, global equality and planetary wellbeing.”
The new definition also emphasizes the difference between acquisition and collecting. “Acquire” means to gain ownership or control of something, but collecting involves bringing together and connecting things. The change is subtle, but it’s an important distinction, as the old definition implied that a museum only acquired its artifacts and could do whatever they wanted with them. The new definition, however, makes clear that a museum holds these objects “in trust for society,” not for itself.
Some museum jobs are obvious, such as curators, educators, and registrars. But there are many more roles that make a museum run, including administrators, archivists, conservationists, and facilities managers. Administrators oversee the budget and help with hiring staff and making sure day-to-day operations run smoothly. Archivists keep track of the museum’s history and ensure that records are protected for future use. Conservationists take care of the museum’s objects, restoring them to their original condition. Facilities managers keep the building running and ensure that it’s a comfortable place to visit for visitors.
Museums are a powerful force for good in our communities, but they can’t accomplish this mission alone. The new ICOM definition requires museums to work with communities and be open to criticism and constructive conversation. It’s not always easy, but it is essential. This is why it’s important to support the ICOM Define project by participating in upcoming consultation rounds. Click here to learn more about the process and how to participate.