A museum is a non-profit, permanent institution that researches, collects, conserves, interprets and displays tangible and intangible heritage in the service of society. It is open to the public and operates ethically, professionally and transparently. Museums have a long and varied history, springing from what may be an innate human desire to collect and interpret. They have also developed from large collections built up by individuals and groups before the modern era.
Often museums are housed in historic buildings or at other sites where significant events took place. The Alamo is a famous example. Almost any historic site can be converted into a museum, such as the Giddings Stone Mansion in Brenham or the Emancipation Park in Houston. In these cases the museum’s content is tied to the history of the site itself. Other times museums are built around a specific art form or period. The National Gallery of Art is an excellent example. This large museum in Washington D.C. has a massive collection of paintings ranging from the middle ages to present day. The gallery attracts millions of visitors each year and is ranked 2nd in popularity in North America and 7th worldwide.
Some museums are focused on a specific geographic area, such as the National Museum of American Indian in DC. Other museums are focused on a specific art style, such as the Museo del Prado in Madrid. Still others are focused on a particular historical period, such as the National Museum of Natural History in Denver or the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Many museums are owned and operated by government agencies while others are private or nonprofit organizations. Most governments have a strong interest in preserving cultural heritage and provide substantial funding for these institutions. In addition, most museums have a mission to make their collections available to the public.
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) is the organization that oversees museum activities worldwide. ICOM is currently working on a new definition of a museum that will replace the old one created in the 1970s.
ICOM has already conducted a number of consultations with members. In 2021 the first round of consultations will end, and the second will begin.
These consultations will provide the foundation for a new version of the museum definition. The new definition is expected to be ready for adoption by the ICOM General Conference in 2022.
Museums have a great deal of power to influence the way we think and teach about our past. They can inspire and inform us about the people and places that made our world what it is today. Museums can also serve as a place of reflection and hope for our future. Museums are a treasure for everyone. This is why it is so important to support them through donations and volunteering. This way, we can keep these wonderful resources available for future generations.