A museum is a place where objects of cultural or historical significance are preserved and displayed for public viewing. Some of these collections are permanent, while others are temporary. Public museums often have exhibits on permanent display, while others have temporary exhibits that change every so often. These are great places to learn more about a specific topic or culture.
The purpose of a museum varies, but most museums aim to preserve and share the heritage of the world through the artifacts it houses. These objects represent the rich culture of different civilizations, and represent the knowledge and understanding of humans throughout history. Museums often work with community members to engage the community and educate visitors.
The new ICOM museum definition is based on a consensus of members and aims to be democratic, transparent, and open. The proposed definition will be presented at the ICOM General Conference in 2022, and will be voted on by the Advisory Council. Once ratified, the proposed definition will go on to the ICOM Extraordinary General Assembly in August 2022.
In recent months, the International Council of Museums, a nonprofit organization based in Paris, has been trying to define a museum more accurately. It has drafted a new definition, but the process has been rocky. Some members have resigned from the committee due to the lack of consensus. Some countries have objected to the new definition, and others have opposed it. Some countries have argued that it is unfair to limit a museum’s mission to the collection of artifacts.
There is an increasing need for archivists, curators, and museum workers. In fact, the field is expected to grow by 12 percent over the next decade. Aside from the growth of the museum industry, there are numerous openings for archivists in government agencies. These positions are also expected to increase with the use of electronic records in various areas.
While the concept of a museum is not new, the history of these institutions goes back thousands of years. The first museums grew out of human desire to gather objects. These collections were large and often developed by individuals before the modern era. Today, many museums are operated for public use. The main goal of a museum is to preserve and interpret material evidence of human activity and the natural world.
Open air museums collect old buildings and re-erect them at large outdoor sites, usually in landscapes from the past. In 1881, King Oscar II opened his collection near Oslo, and Arthur Hazelius founded Skansen in Stockholm, which became a model for many other open air museums throughout Europe. Open air museums typically have a wooden architecture, which makes them easy to translocate without compromising their authenticity.
Curators in museums work closely with historians and other professionals. They oversee the acquisition and storage of objects, oversee risk management, and oversee other aspects of museum operations. In addition, they also oversee the loaning of objects and manage educational programs. Curators also represent the institution in the public and educational community.