Day: September 4, 2025

When the term cultural heritage is used, it usually refers to artifacts (paintings, drawings, prints, mosaics, sculptures and the like), historical monuments and buildings, archaeological sites and even landscapes. It also encompasses a range of intangible elements, such as customary practices, representations and expressions, knowledge and skills and the instruments and objects associated with them. This notion of culture is much broader than that of tangible heritage, and it aims to include all the evidence of human creativity.

Intangible cultural heritage, a term that has been formulated only recently, is the part of a community’s identity that is not physically present but which is transmitted from generation to generation and which enables them to perceive their environment and interact with it. It includes the way they live their lives, their values and traditions, their interaction with nature and their history (Article 2.1 of the ICH Convention).

It is also the means by which individuals can relate to one another, and the source of community spirit and solidarity. Heritage is therefore a vital part of the very fabric of societies and communities and its loss can have catastrophic effects in times of war or natural disasters.

There are a number of difficulties inherent in the protection of cultural heritage. First of all, it is not always easy to determine what is and is not cultural heritage. Moreover, what might constitute cultural heritage in one context may not be in the next or vice versa, especially when there are changes in government, social values, war and conflict or the marginalisation of particular groups.

The cultural heritage concept has evolved to reflect these changes in our understanding of the world and our sense of identity, and it is important that it continues to do so in the future. It is also vital that the world’s cultural heritage continues to be protected, not just in individual nations but at international level by a legally binding convention.

While UNESCO’s criteria for the inscription of cultural heritage on the World Heritage List are based on universal principles, there is a risk that these criteria will limit the diversity of the past and lead to an uncritical acceptance of the heritage that is being sold. For example, in 2013 a Skinner auction house retracted a Sioux beaded and quilled hide shirt that it had advertised as being of the Little Thunder family because of questions about its authenticity.

As the definition of cultural heritage evolves and becomes more pervasive, federal policies – whether in Canada or elsewhere – will likely move away from a model of protecting only physical heritage objects and towards giving greater attention to intangible heritage. This will require a concerted effort from universities, folk arts groups and local museums to encourage the development of cultural heritage initiatives at the regional level. Only then can the true richness of cultural heritage be recognised and preserved. In the end, it is the intangible heritage of peoples that will ensure their survival in the face of change and the challenges of the future.

A museum is a non-profit, permanent institution in the service of society that collects, researches, conserves, interprets and exhibits tangible and intangible heritage. Its collections are open to the public, and it operates and communicates ethically, professionally and with the participation of communities. Its activities are based on knowledge and research, with the aim of contributing to education, enjoyment, reflection and inspiration. A museum is a place that values the pluralism of identities, cultures and ideas, where history and memory are negotiated, challenged and transformed.

Founded in 1753, the British Museum is one of the world’s oldest museums and houses a remarkable collection of art, history and culture, including ancient treasures and precious manuscripts. It is also the most visited museum in the world, attracting more than 6 million visitors a year, and is a key driver of tourism in London.

As you can see, it is a huge building that has to cater for large crowds and is a great space to explore. The collection is vast, spanning almost every aspect of humankind’s history and culture, with artefacts, works of art, science and natural history on display. Its architects and designers were able to create an immersive experience for visitors, taking advantage of the natural light in every room.

The exhibitions are also well done, and the staff is very helpful and polite. I love this museum and would recommend it to anyone.

One of the most famous museums in the world, the Louvre attracts a lot of people and is a must-see for anyone visiting Paris. It is a massive complex of buildings with an entrance plaza, side gardens and huge walls that showcase calligraphy, war relics, paintings, inventions and more. Its design is a combination of old and new, blending modern glass and steel with traditional stone.

There are many museums that offer a range of different departments, such as education, which helps children learn about the past and develop their creativity. It is one of the most important parts of a museum and is crucial for their success. This is why museums need to be able to show how their educational department is important and integral to the overall machine that is a museum.

This is an issue that needs to be addressed if museums want to stay relevant in the 21st century. They must stop enforcing ideological imperatives and allow their collections to speak for themselves. They must respect the unique identity of objects, and not treat them as fodder for some contemporary artist, or put them in false competition with Indigenous forms of knowledge. Lastly, they must listen to their audiences, and not try to force-feed them the museum’s point of view. It is a tall order, but it is essential for the future of museums.