A museum is a non-profit, permanent institution in the service of society and its development that acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment for the purposes of education, enjoyment, study and reflection. It is open to the public and operates and communicates ethically, professionally and with diversity in mind. Museums are usually cultural institutions hosting art, science or local history exhibitions and collections of objects. Unlike libraries, museums are typically designed to be visited and can offer visitors a variety of experiences. Some museums specialize in certain areas such as art, natural history or archaeology while others may have more general exhibitions.
While there are many different types of museums, the International Council of Museums has outlined a definition that defines a museum as:
Museums are complex institutions that house vast collections of objects. Each museum’s collection is carefully curated, and the objects are organized in a way that allows them to be presented to the public on a regular basis. This is done in various ways, including through a variety of exhibitions that change regularly. Museums also have a number of other departments that allow them to function effectively. These departments include conservation, registrars, librarians, archivists, curators, educators and groundskeepers. Each of these departments play a critical role in the museum’s ability to function properly and to be able to present its objects in the best possible manner.
Often, museums serve an economic purpose for the city in which they are located. This is particularly true of museums that are commissioned by government agencies to revitalize decaying urban centers. For example, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain was a project of the local government to revitalize the dilapidated old port district of the city. This was accomplished by using foreign investment to attract visitors from outside the city, which in turn brought more money into the economy of Bilbao.
Museums can also be used to educate young people and promote civic engagement. These museums can serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to children, who may be encouraged to pursue careers in fields such as science, technology or the arts. Moreover, museums can help to shape the culture and identity of the communities in which they are located. In addition, museums can be a catalyst for dialogue about the past and the future of our societies. This is an important role for a museum to play, and it is one that many museums strive to fulfill.