A museum is a cultural institution that houses and preserves important artifacts. They also aim to educate the public about specific subjects. They are popular landmarks around the world. However, they are far more than just educational buildings. They also offer diverse job opportunities and internships. There are many different types of museums, including science museums, history museums, zoos, and botanical gardens. In addition to the educational functions, they also offer special programs, a gift shop, and discounts for members.
Museums serve a variety of audiences, and are often built around a local or regional culture. For example, the National Museum of Industrial History in South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, features a rich collection of historical artifacts and interprets industry past and present. The museum also features retail shops, restaurants, and the Hoover Mason Trestle, which was the Electric Repair Shop for the Bethlehem Steel Company.
Other kinds of museums include religious museums, which may feature unusual perspectives on the religion. Likewise, political museums are unique and often offer unusual views on political issues. In addition, there are specialized museums, such as the British Museum in London.
These specialized museums often emphasize preservation and the application of scientific ideas. They often provide interactive displays and are popular with children. Other specialized museums, such as the Swiss Transport Museum, are concerned with the history of transportation. Some museums, such as the Deutsches Museum in Munich, are more focused on material evidence of technological endeavour.
Museums are also a major tourist draw. There are a number of jobs involved, and most require a bachelor’s degree. These positions include curators, conservators, and assistant curators. There are also internships for students interested in becoming a museum professional. This is a great way to gain valuable experience and build a career.
A common thread that runs through all types of museums is education. The majority of them work to present important exhibits in a way that makes them accessible to a wide range of audiences. Some museums offer lower student membership rates than other museums, and some have a strong emphasis on volunteer programs.
Most museums also work to develop new programs that expand the knowledge and influence of the museum. These programs are supported by substantial financial backing. A museum’s Education & Public Programs department produces a variety of resources and supports in-person and virtual programs. The department engages adults with LACMA and encourages Los Angeles County youth to become members through a free youth membership program.
A museum’s curatorial department is the main area associated with historians. The curator’s primary responsibility is the collection of museum objects. He or she is also expected to make public presentations and contribute to scholarly publications. In addition to this, the museum’s Senior Curator oversees the acquisition, maintenance, and management of the museum’s collections.
In the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that the employment of museum curators is expected to grow about 10 percent, and that archivists and conservationists are expected to see a 9% increase in their employment.