Museums are magical places where visitors can step into a world of wonder. Some museums showcase amazing art like the Louvre, while others focus on science or history. Museums can also serve as a social space, bringing people together to celebrate and explore our shared heritage. They can be a place to reflect on the past, or to get excited about the future.
Some museums have lofty missions, such as “committed to sharing the most thought-provoking modern and contemporary art,” while others are devoted to chronicling our past in order to guide us through the challenges of the present. But all museums are important and have something to offer for the benefit of society.
The definition of a museum varies from one professional organization to the next, but most have similar characteristics. They are public institutions that research, collect, conserve, communicate, and exhibit the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment.
They are open to the public and accessible, and provide a wide range of experiences for education, enjoyment, reflection, and knowledge sharing. Museums are non-profit cultural institutions, managed professionally, ethically and with the participation of their communities. They operate and communicate in a multilingual, multicultural, and democratic spirit, reflecting their diversity and universality.
A Museum is a non-profit cultural institution that researches, collects, conserves, communicates, and exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity in all its diversity for education, reflection, enjoyment and inspiration. Museums are open to the public and accessible, operate and communicate in a multilingual, diverse, and democratic spirit, reflecting their diversity and Universality. They are managed professionally and ethically, and promote the care and use of their collections.
While the mission of museums is to serve the public, it is not always possible. In some cases, the public doesn’t want to visit museums because they are perceived as being too academic or old-fashioned. In other cases, the public doesn’t have the time to visit museums because of their work or family obligations. This is why it is so important for museums to be flexible and find ways to meet the needs of their communities.
Museums can be a great asset for cities and regions that are looking to stimulate their economies. For example, the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum was built as part of a bid by the city to revitalize its depressed economy. By attracting tourists to the region, the museum has helped Bilbao become a major tourist destination.
A new museum definition was approved by ICOM’s Extraordinary General Assembly on August 24th after an 18-month participatory process. The ICOM Standing Committee for the Museum Definition, Prospects and Potentials (MDPP) carried out 4 rounds of consultation with National Committees, International Committees, Regional Alliances and Affiliated Organisations of ICOM. This resulted in a final proposal that will be voted on at the 91st Session of ICOM’s Advisory Council, in Prague. Click here for more information on the methodology and to read the full proposal.