Museumist

To create a forum for debate, discussion, and the display of all things museum-related. Museumist is published from Philadelphia, PA by a team of pretty cool people. In general all thanks should be directed to our parents. m] noun A museum is a non-profit, permanent institution in the service of society and its development, open to the public, whic... h acquires, conserves, researches, communicates, and exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment for the purposes of education, study, and enjoyment. See also Who Knows? Tens of thousands around the world claim to be one, covering subjects as varied as ancient civilizations, luxury cars, prisons, fashion, art, and umbrella covers. So, this begs the question: What exactly is a museum? The above definition is from ICOM. It is comprehensive to be sure, but is it complete? Lets look at some other definitions of museum to find out An institution devoted to the procurement, care, study, and display of objects of lasting interest or value; also: a place where objects are exhibited. (Merriam-Webster) Public institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the primary tangible evidence of humans and their environment In Roman times, the word referred to a place devoted to scholarly occupation In the 20th century, museums have broadened their roles as educational facilities, sources of leisure activity, and information centers. (Britannica Concise Encyclopedia) Museums enable people to explore collections for inspiration, learning and enjoyment. They are institutions that collect, safeguard, and make accessible artifacts and specimens, which they hold in trust for society. (UK Museums Association) An institution for the assembly and public display of any kind of collection, especially one of rare and/or educational value. [I]n Greece, originally a place connected with the Muses, sometimes in a religious sense, but more usually as a place where the arts and learning were cultivated. The museum came to mean a place of education, connected ...Read More