Keith Rogers A Museum is a place where people can learn more about a particular topic. They keep collections of artifacts and objects with historical and cultural importance, and display them for public viewing. Some museums feature permanent exhibitions, while others host temporary exhibits. A museum can also hold lectures, talks, and other educational events.
The ICOM has a committee to define the term museum, and has asked for input from members. The committee has consulted museums worldwide. The committee has drafted five proposed definitions. The final two proposals will be submitted to the ICOM General Assembly for a vote in 2022. This process will take approximately 18 months, beginning in December 2020 and ending in early May 2022. The process may be accelerated, depending on the circumstances.
The word museum comes from Greek, meaning “seat of the Muses.” The Muses are mythological figures associated with creative inspiration. Today, the word “museum” has been re-imagined to reflect the changing landscape of the museum sector. In recent years, museums have faced a cultural reckoning, affecting nearly every aspect of their operations, from funding to the type of artifacts displayed in the galleries.
The concept of a museum has a long history. In ancient Greece, it was a place where people gathered and cultivated things of value, and was sometimes used in a religious context. Later, it was associated with education.
