In this article, we will discuss the purpose, definition, and types of museums. In addition, we will look at the criteria used to define museums. Listed below are some of the criteria used in defining a museum. The process of defining a museum will take 18 months. Initially, it will be conducted by four rounds of consultation. The final definition will then be submitted for vote at the next ICOM General Conference in 2022.
Description of a museum
A description of a museum is a document that describes the content and layout of a museum. The description must be written in GeoJSON, and it must specify the geographic location. It must also identify the type of content that will be exhibited in the museum. Possible values for museumType include appliedArts, fineArts, music, scienceAndTechnology, and contemporaryArt.
The descriptions of museum objects are usually created with the help of the knowledge of several people. Sometimes, one description will describe an object, but other descriptions will include more information. The amount of outsider involvement varies from museum to museum, but in the second phase, outsiders can contribute about 80% of documentation.
Purpose of a museum
A museum is an institution dedicated to the study and protection of artifacts and history, which reflect the evolution of human culture and knowledge. These artifacts reflect the beauty and diversity of cultures around the world. A museum is an ideal place to explore the past and examine the present. It can also be a place to explore the future.
Museums are nonprofit institutions, and often they are open to the public. Some charge an admission fee, but others are free on certain days. The purpose of a museum is generally to educate, inform, and enrich lives. As such, a museum’s policies should reflect its broader purposes.
Types of museums
There are several different types of museums. Some have specialized functions and others serve the general public. Each type has its own unique goals and philosophies. In general, the collections at general museums are based on the history and culture of their region or locality. In many cases, they are local in nature and are often founded on civic pride and the desire to spread knowledge of the area. These types of museums are commonly found in countries in western and eastern Europe, India, Australia, New Zealand, and North and South America.
Museums are also divided according to their funding source. While this may make it easier to distinguish them, it can often mask the true character of their collections. Some museums have internationally recognized collections, while others have local, specialized, or national collections.
Criteria for defining a museum
A museum is a cultural institution that collects, preserves, and researches cultural heritage. The institution is a polyphonic space for critical dialogue, where different perspectives are represented. While the definition of a museum has evolved over the years, there is still a need to update it from time to time. It should communicate the spirit and essence of museums and reflect their values and purposes.
Several groups have worked on the issue of museum definition. The Standing Committee for Museum Definition is one such body. It has conducted four consultation rounds and 11 steps over the past 18 months. The committee aims to be more inclusive, transparent, and careful to hear different proposals. The committee has also agreed to change the name of the project to reflect the new direction it is taking. It is scheduled to report its findings to the ICOM Executive Board in December 2018.
Recent changes to the definition of a museum
Recently, the definition of a museum was updated to reflect the changing nature of museums. A museum is a space dedicated to the acquisition, conservation, and interpretation of objects and cultural heritage. It can be described as a polyphonic space that engages with the public and generates new knowledge. The new definition includes a wider range of activities, including research and outreach.
The change came after a meeting of ICOM in Kyoto. Initially, a vote was scheduled at the extraordinary general assembly on September 7th, but the national and international committees decided to postpone it for now. The new definition also recognizes the need for sustainability, inclusivity, and community participation.
