There are many types of museums all over the world, some are more important than others, and some have more prestigious collections than others. They can focus on natural history, technology, social history, contemporary art, and phenomenal buildings, to name just a few. In fact, the popularity of museums has become so great that, in 2017, International Museum Day was proclaimed. Today, more than 120 countries recognize this day and 30,000 museums participate in celebrations.
a cultural object
A cultural object in a museum all over Europe is the result of centuries of trade, collecting and travel. Many of the objects were taken by soldiers, who would bring them home and add them to their own private collections or donate them to museums. Some of the objects are also rooted in the past, having been taken illegally by explorers. However, many museums and institutions in Europe have objects from Africa in their collections.
There are two types of museums: general and specialized. General museums are generally based on civic pride or the desire to promote knowledge about a specific region. Originally, most general museums were private collections, and their origins reflect the encyclopaedic spirit of their time. Some general museums also represent the influence of international trade on local cultures. Some general museums house important specialized collections, while some are so large that they are equal to or bigger than specialized museums.
a means of forming culture
Today, museums have become an essential part of our lives. They not only form culture, but are also important social change markers. They play a key role in shaping how societies interact and develop. Throughout the world, museums are forming culture through their exhibitions. From the smallest museum to the largest, museums serve as important cultural centers and catalysts for social change. But what makes them important?
Despite their many advantages, museums also have some drawbacks. They can be a source of tension between different groups of people. Museums can foster tensions among museum professionals, but they can also promote conflicting views and ideas. Conflicts over museums are often closely connected to other forms of conflict. The article highlights four specific foci for future research. The study concludes by pointing out that museums are important social spaces, especially because they serve as physical representations of national self-identity.
a means of tourism
A museum is a valuable resource for the tourist industry. There are many benefits for both parties to cooperate, including greater understanding between stakeholders. Ultimately, a museum’s role as a tourism asset depends on achieving a balance between stakeholder interests. Here are some examples of how museums can benefit the tourism industry:
Visitors to museums may be business travelers or day-trippers on an overtly educational trip. Museum visitors can also be local residents on a pleasure-seeking trip. Whether these visitors visit for educational purposes or simply for pleasure, all of them benefit from a museum’s programming. In the U.S., about three out of four museum visitors are leisure seekers. In other words, museums have become increasingly popular.
a means of economic development
While economic development officials and nonprofit advocates may lump museums under tourism, more are attempting to measure their impact on local economies. The nonprofit American Alliance of Museums, based in Washington, D.C., offers a template for creating an economic impact statement. But how do museums measure the impact of their activities on local economies? Let’s examine a few examples. These statements can help museums better understand their economic value.
The OECD-ICOM Guide to Museums as a Means of Economic Development highlights the role of museums in local development, with a focus on case studies of local museums in northern Peru. In particular, Karen Brown and Luis Repetto Malaga present the results of a bi-regional consortium research project, which examined local museum development projects outside Lima. This report should be a useful resource for museum managers around the world.
