A museum is a place that holds a collection of objects from nature or created by people, and it is open to the public. Most museums focus on a specific subject such as art, science, or history. Some museums also offer programs such as guided tours, lectures, or events. Some museums are very large and include many buildings, while others are small and house only a few objects.
Some of the most famous museums began as private collections. For example, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the State Hermitage in St. Petersburg were both started as private collections, and they eventually became so big that they opened to the public. Other museums started as the result of a government project, such as Napoleon I’s campaign to build national collections throughout Europe.
The word “museum” comes from the Greek for “collections of things.” People have collected things from the natural world and from human culture since ancient times. These collections may have religious, magical, economic, aesthetic, or historical value. In modern times, people often collect objects to share with the public. People have always wanted to learn more about the past, so they have built museums and libraries to store and display their treasures.
In recent years, museums have been trying to become more inclusive and more responsive to the needs of their communities. They have been pushing to shift their mission from transmitting expert knowledge to fostering dialogue and connection with the public. A museum’s most important role is to serve as a bridge between the past and the present. This is a task that should involve the entire community.
Museums can be a source of inspiration for artists, scientists, and everyday people alike. They can teach us about our cultural heritage, provide a sense of belonging in our increasingly global society, and help people connect with the past. They can also be a place to escape from the daily grind and find joy in art, music, or the beauty of nature.
A well-run museum depends on a team of dedicated professionals to manage the institution and its collection. The museum director and board establish a system of governance that sets standards for the museum. These standards might be an institutional or strategic plan, an ethical code of conduct, policies on collecting and loaning, and a museum mission statement.
Curators work with the museum’s collection to develop exhibitions and answer questions from visitors. They spend much of their time researching and learning more about the objects in their care. Other museum staff might be architects, horticulturists, or graphic designers, and they all play a part in making the museum a great experience for visitors.
The new ICOM definition pushes museums to consider diverse perspectives in their collections, their interpretation practices, and their outreach. Museums that want to be true to this new definition need to make substantial changes to how they operate, and this will require commitment from everyone in the museum.