After a long, contentious struggle, ICOM recently revised its 2007 definition of museums. The new definition incorporates such terms as "accessible," "inclusive," "foster diversity," and "operate . . . with the participation of communities." Obviously, with many thousands of organizations that term themselves "museums," it is hard to encompass so many different models under a single overarching umbrella. But the challenge is compounded by an even more fundamental question--should the definition of a museum be descriptive or prescriptive (aspirational or normative)? And, even if we were to agree on an approach to definition and specific language, would this make any difference in our policy or practice?
Please join us for a conversation on these questions next Thursday 13 October at 12:30pm ET. The conversation will be facilitated by Avi Decter, co-editor of Change Is Required: Preparing for the Post-Pandemic Museum (2022) .Incorporated below are texts of various recent definitions. Pre-registration is not necessary; just use this link to join the conversation:
2022 ICOM Definition
A museum is a not-for-profit, permanent institution in the service of society that researches, collects, conserves, interprets and exhibits tangible and intangible heritage. Open to the public, accessible and inclusive, museums foster diversity and sustainability. They operate and communicate ethically, professionally and with the participation of communities, offering varied experiences for education, enjoyment, reflection and knowledge sharing.
2007 ICOM Definition
A museum is a non-profit, permanent institution in the service of society and its development, open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment for the purposes of education, study and enjoyment.
2019 Draft Revision of the ICOM Definition (Rejected)
Museums are democratising, inclusive and polyphonic spaces for critical dialogue about the pasts and the futures. Acknowledging and addressing the conflicts and challenges of the present, they hold artefacts and specimens in trust for society, safeguard diverse memories for future generations and guarantee equal rights and equal access to heritage for all people.
Museums are not for profit. They are participatory and transparent, and work in active partnership with and for diverse communities to collect, preserve, research, interpret, exhibit, and enhance understandings of the world, aiming to contribute to human dignity and social justice, global equality and planetary wellbeing.
AAM "Definition" in 2000 Code of Ethics
Museums make their unique contribution to the public by collecting, preserving and interpreting the things of this world. Historically, they have owned and used natural objects, living and nonliving, and all manner of human artifacts to advance knowledge and nourish the human spirit. Today, the range of their special interests reflects the scope of human vision. Their missions include collecting and preserving, as well as exhibiting and educating with materials not only owned but also borrowed and fabricated for these ends. Their numbers include both governmental and private museums of anthropology, art history and natural history, aquariums, arboreta, art centers, botanical gardens, children's museums, historic sites, nature centers, planetariums, science and technology centers, and zoos. The museum universe in the United States includes both collecting and non-collecting institutions. Although diverse in their missions, they have in common their nonprofit form of organization and a commitment of service to the public. Their collections and/or the objects they borrow or fabricate are the basis for research, exhibits, and programs that invite public participation.
Taken as a whole, museum collections and exhibition materials represent the world's natural and cultural common wealth. As stewards of that wealth, museums are compelled to advance an understanding of all natural forms and of the human experience. It is incumbent on museums to be resources for humankind and in all their activities to foster an informed appreciation of the rich and diverse world we have inherited. It is also incumbent upon them to preserve that inheritance for posterity.
UK Museums Association Definition 1998
Museums enable people to explore collections for inspiration, learning and enjoyment. They are institutions that collect, safeguard and make accessible artefacts and specimens, which they hold in trust for society.
And for a fun look at definitions, try this link:
https://itsallhowyourememberit.wordpress.com/2019/08/13/whats-a-museum/