A museum is a not-for-profit institution in the service of society that researches, collects, preserves, interprets and exhibits tangible and intangible heritage and provides education for the benefit of all. It is open to the public, and operates and communicates ethically, professionally and with the participation of all communities. Museums contribute to human dignity and social justice, global equality and planetary sustainability.
In this context, museums have been working to reframe the definition of “museum” to encompass more of their role in society and to address issues that affect museums around the world. These efforts have been a result of the ongoing work of museums to encourage learning through self-directed discovery and exploration, as well as the changing educational landscape that is increasingly based on passion-based learning.
Many museums are also tackling the challenge of educating visitors to understand complex and difficult historical or cultural issues. These challenges include issues such as decolonisation and repatriation, and the rights of indigenous peoples to their own heritage. Other museums are trying to educate about climate change and its impacts on the world, by educating the public on how they can take action.
Museums can offer a variety of experiences to engage visitors, from exhibitions on contemporary art to interactive science centres. In addition, museums are increasingly focused on empowering visitors to understand the value of their own personal stories and heritage, which they can share with others.
The top five most visited museums globally are the National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC, the British Museum in London, the Louvre in Paris, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia. The National Museum of Natural History has the highest museum visitor satisfaction rating in the world, while the British Museum has the lowest.
There are many reasons why people visit museums, ranging from learning about culture and history to finding inspiration. Museums are able to inspire by connecting with visitors’ emotions and creating emotional bonds. They can inspire their visitors to see the world in a different way, through their carefully curated and transcending exhibitions.
Museums play a vital role in our world. By sharing the diverse stories of our common humanity, they foster understanding and tolerance and help us face challenging times. They are an invaluable source of joy and wonder, and can help us to navigate a fast-changing world.
The Himachal State Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Shimla, India. The museum is home to a rich collection of sculptures, paintings, wood carvings and archaeology. It also offers a unique insight into the cultural heritage of Shimla. The museum has 5 main galleries, including the Pre-Historical Gallery, Wall Painting Gallery, Wood Carving Gallery and Numismatic gallery. The museum also houses a large collection of photographs and documents that narrate the glorious past of this beautiful hill station. The museum has a dedicated team that manages the day-to-day operations and functions of the institution.