A museum, according to the International Council of Museums (Icom), is “an institution established to preserve and interpret collections of artifacts, objects, or natural history and culture for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.” It also has a social responsibility and an obligation to be inclusive and accessible. Those obligations were emphasized in the new definition, which was passed at Icom’s extra-ordinary general meeting in Prague today.
The word museum traces its roots back to the ancient world. In Greek, it meant seat of the Muses and was applied to a place of intellectual discussion. Museum resurfaced in the Renaissance as a term for an individual’s private collection of artwork, and its usage gradually expanded. By the 19th century, museums had become commonplace, with large institutions specializing in specific art periods or geographical regions emerging all over Europe.
Modern technology has reshaped what museums do and how they do it. For example, digital exhibitions allow museum-goers to experience and interact with exhibits using their smartphones or tablets. In addition, museums are increasingly integrating virtual reality and augmented reality into their programs.
Nevertheless, the most essential function of any museum is to promote understanding and foster knowledge. Museums do this by bringing together and interpreting different cultures, periods, and subjects. They provide a platform for debate and controversy, and they also help visitors see themselves as part of a larger global community.
In an age where hatred and ignorance are on the rise, it is vital that museums take a stand against this and make their voices heard. For example, in 2017, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) was the target of a racist hate incident when a noose was purposefully left at the museum. The director of NMAAHC called the incident a “sickening symbol of extreme violence for Black people” and said it was an “emotionally driven act of hate.”
Local museums have a unique role in creating unity on a local level. These institutions celebrate a shared heritage, which can be particularly important in countries with a complex cultural history. Many such museums have a strong social responsibility to serve their communities, and some even engage in active outreach work.
Museums have also been established as economic drivers for cities and regions. The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain is a good example, as it helped revive the once-declining city. For this reason, Icom’s new definition also stresses the role of museums as engines for sustainable development and urban regeneration. The first round of consultation on the new definition is over, and we are happy to report that committees’ responses were rich and varied. The new methodology for the next stages of consultation, which will be available soon, reflects this need for greater transparency and more careful listening. We look forward to hearing your views again.