A museum is a place where people can learn and discover the art, history, culture, and natural world. It is a place that inspires and engages the audience through carefully curated collections and transcending exhibitions. While many people are quick to dismiss museums, they are a powerful way to educate people and inspire a new perspective of society. However, not all museums use the same method to enlighten their visitors. Some, such as the Griffith Observatory or National Constitution Center, don’t even have artifacts and instead rely on compelling stories to connect with their audience. While other museums, like the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum or The Metropolitan Museum of Art, have a large collection that draws in people from across the globe.
While museums have long been associated with academia and the preservation of rare items, their role has expanded in recent years to include cultural and social engagement. The International Council of Museums (ICOM) has just updated the definition of a museum to recognize the inclusion of intangible heritage as well as greater emphasis on community participation and inclusivity.
The ICOM Define committee conducted the largest outreach project in the organization’s history, speaking with a total of 126 Icom member museums representing 141 countries and territories over four separate rounds of consultations. Despite their differences, these museums all shared similar concerns regarding the need to shift from an expert-driven approach to one that is democratically driven by their communities and focuses on the power of creating connections.
One of the key challenges facing the museum industry is that of a lack of trust between museums and their audiences. Whether due to a negative experience at a museum as a child, or the perceived power imbalance in a visit, this distrust has led to many visitors being disengaged with museums and their mission.
This is a real challenge that museum professionals must tackle in order to reach their potential. It is crucial for museums to be open and honest about their origins, the collection process, and the ethics involved in acquiring objects. They should also take advantage of new opportunities for outreach that can create connection and support the development of a new generation of museum audiences.
The future of museums is bright, despite the naysayers. By embracing the diversity of their audiences and being transparent about their own heritage, museums can create more empowering experiences that encourage a deeper understanding of the past and the future. This is how museums can truly change the world.