The word museum has many definitions, from a place where scientists store specimens and artifacts to an institution that chronicles the past to one that is a touchstone for future community growth. But the broader meaning is that museums should provide a public service and serve society by connecting with visitors in meaningful ways.
Museums have a long and complex history, but their role has changed over time. Initially, they were places where people could see rare or interesting objects. They are now also institutions that educate, enlighten, inspire, and empower. Museums are now recognized for their social impact and have become a valued part of the global cultural landscape.
In the 21st century, museums are being challenged to be even more. They have been confronted by the need to be more inclusive, to address the effects of colonialism in their collections, and to respond to climate change and other challenges facing our world. At the same time, museums have a skewed image, with the public largely viewing them as places to view beautiful objects and stop along the tourist trail.
Museum professionals are now being called on to address these challenges and to think differently about their roles as cultural leaders, educators, and advocates for the value of museums to society. Museums are also being asked to cede more institutional authority and to shift their objective from transmitting expert knowledge to fostering dialogue and connection.
Many of these changes have been precipitated by the need to reformulate the ICOM definition, which is the international standard that museums use to define their purposes and operations. The new definition is more explicit in addressing issues such as the difference between collection and acquisition and that museums hold artifacts “in trust for society.” It further emphasizes that museums do not own their collections, and that they have a responsibility to share them with diverse communities in perpetuity.
As the debate on ICOM’s new definition has evolved, so have many of the institutions themselves. Some museums are experimenting with experiences that don’t include any artifacts at all; others, such as the Griffith Observatory and the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, make excellent use of powerful or memorable stories to connect with their audiences. Meanwhile, some museums have shifted their mission to focus on sustainability or community engagement, while still preserving and interpreting their collections.
These changing roles have prompted some museum leaders to question whether they should be defined as museums at all, and how they might be best renamed. While the ICOM vote to adopt the new definition has been postponed, most museums agree that their function is shifting, and that their work must change as well.