A museum is a public institution, in the service of society and its development, open to all and dedicated to research, collections, conservation, communication, education and exhibition of tangible and intangible heritage for study, enjoyment and inspiration.
Museums may be a refuge for those with an interest in culture, history and art but they are also places that beckon to people with different interests around the globe. The best museums in the world offer curated experiences that challenge naysayers to reconsider how they see society through their transcending exhibits.
While many adults avoid visiting museums because they associate them with a school-like or child-like experience, they are often an integral part of a well-rounded education. Many educators believe that museums can be a powerful tool in helping adults understand how to connect with and engage with the world, and that it is important for students to have access to cultural institutions such as museums.
A number of researchers have analyzed the impact of museum visits on mental health. One study found that a visit to a museum can significantly reduce stress and increase happiness in those who had experienced it. Other studies have found that a visit to a museum has the potential to help with depression and anxiety. These findings are important to note because mental illness is a growing epidemic and because museums can be a positive, healthy place for those who need it.
Typically, only a fraction of a museum’s collection is on display at any given time. The rest is stowed in secure, temperature-controlled vaults. These objects do not collect dust; researchers across the world use them to investigate painters, the posture of early humans and the preservation of artifacts, art, specimens and species. Museums are the places where discoveries happen.
Many museums are now embracing a new model of engagement with their visitors that goes beyond education. Rather than thinking of the museum as a space for teaching, it is now considered a’social’ entity that can foster relationships and contribute to people’s psychological wellbeing in a way that material goods cannot. This new vision of the museum has led to a debate over the definition of a museum. A proposal for a revised definition was presented to the Museum Define Committee at Icom’s last conference in Kyoto. It was based on extensive outreach to museum representatives from 126 of Icom’s National Committees, which involved several rounds of consultation with over 50,000 museum professionals worldwide. This is a significant undertaking that demonstrates the commitment of the museum community to a new understanding of the role and purpose of museums in the modern world.