WHAT DO MUSEUMS DO What do museums do

WHAT DO MUSEUMS DO?

What do museums do? ICOM - International Council of Museums ”A museum is a permanent institution in the service of society and of 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. ”

What do museums do? U. K. Museums Association “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. ”

The meaning of the word museum » » The English "museum" comes from the Latin word, and is pluralized as "museums". It is originally from the Greek Μουσείον (Mouseion), which denotes a place or temple dedicated to the Muses (the patron divinities in Greek mythology of the arts). A building set apart for study and the arts, especially the institute for philosophy and research. » » The first museum/library is often considered to be the one of Plato in Athens. The first “modern” museum is often considered to be the British Museum established in 1753.

Museum development » » » Large ”nationalist” museums from 1850’s onwards reflecting the development of the ”Nation State” 1890’s onward Coupled with the education of the working classes 1960’s onwards Development of museums working with social and political issues » » 1970’s onwards Museums leading change in society and museum education Mass tourism

Types of museums Fine arts Applied arts Archaeology Anthropology History Military history Science and technology Children's museums Natural history Botanical and zoological gardens Historical buildings Open air museums Etc.

Within these catagories we can specialise further Museums of modern art Local history Naval history Rock and roll Football, baseball, sport City, town, village General museum Children’s museum Educational museum Tourist museum

Museums are meeting places between the expert and the public Museums are collections from which curators select material for display. In doing so they construct certain narratives (stories) What influences these constructions? The visitor on the other hand reads the display and in so doing makes meaning (knowledge) using certain reference points

Museums use many different ways to communicate to the public For example: Chronological displays Spontanious displays Interactive displays Guided tours – 1 st person, 3 rd person Audio Visual, photos, films Etc.