A museum is an institution that collects, preserves and interprets cultural or natural heritage in service to society. It is a polyphonic and inclusive space for critical dialogue about the pasts and the futures, aiming at contributing to human dignity and social justice, global equality and planetary well-being.
Museums are places that inspire and enrich our lives by offering diverse, memorable experiences. They have the potential to transform our perception of history and culture, and to open our minds to new possibilities for the future. But there are those who still dismiss museums as boring or outdated, a notion that needs to be challenged. After all, museums have perfected the art of captivating visitors through their carefully curated collections and transcendent exhibitions.
In their quest for relevance, museums must remain constantly on the lookout for innovative ways to engage and interact with their audiences. It’s not easy to satisfy the ever-changing demands of today’s discerning consumers, who demand a multifaceted experience.
This can be achieved by embracing the diversity of museum practices and formats, from museums that are dedicated to a particular subject or medium to those that focus on an aspect of our common human experience, such as food. It is also about rethinking the way we think about museums and their role in our communities, and finding ways to adapt them so they can better serve their societal mission.
In this issue of Perspectives, we offer a selection of some of the most interesting and innovative museum projects around the world that are pushing the boundaries of what a museum can be. Some exhibit a wide array of artifacts to appeal to all interests, while others focus on a specific theme and incorporate it into the overall design of the building.
The only museum episode in Frank Lloyd Wright’s vast body of work, this landmark building in Chicago embodied the architect’s philosophy of “organic architecture.” The enveloping structure integrates art, architecture, landscape and nature into a unique whole, while the interior galleries evoke a sense of intimacy.
The recent update to ICOM’s definition of a museum — the first change since 1946 — has reframed its role as an institution that collects, conserves, researches, interprets and displays cultural or natural heritage in the interest of society. This change, endorsed at the last ICOM General Conference in 2022, is especially significant because it acknowledges intangible heritage as an integral part of the museum’s mission. It is now up to all museums to embrace and implement this new vision of the museum.