Museums are non-profit, permanent institutions dedicated to preserving and interpreting the primary tangible evidence of humankind and its environment. They acquire, conserve, research, communicate and exhibit the tangible and intangible heritage for the benefit of society and its development, open to all and free of charge. The term is often used to refer to museums that exhibit art and other cultural objects, but there are many types of museum experiences. Some, like the Griffith Observatory and National Constitution Center do not use any artifacts at all, but instead have a strong narrative or informational content that communicates well and is memorable; others, such as the Natural History Museum of Utah and the National Museum of African American History and Culture use many, often controversial, artifacts to tell compelling stories and create lasting impact.
Museums, regardless of their focus, must always seek to provide meaning that leads to a quality transformative experience for their visitors. This is true both on a personal level, and on a community level. Providing meaning can lead to greater psychological wellbeing of the visitor, which in turn can translate into economic and social benefits for the museum.
This is particularly important at a time when the world seems more divided than ever. The escalation of hatred and conflict between nations, political parties and different cultural groups makes it all the more necessary to find common ground through shared knowledge and experiences. Museums are uniquely positioned to offer this opportunity. They are places where people can learn about the past, gain insight into the human experience and the natural world, connect with each other, and become inspired to take action.
Whether the experience is learning about the origins of the universe through immersive exhibitions or discovering a new piece of art that inspires us, it can help to make us feel more connected to the world around us. This is not only good for the individual’s psychological wellbeing, but it also helps to promote understanding between communities and can contribute to peacemaking.
In the same way, museums can have a powerful psychological impact on children as they explore science and art together. A visit to a museum can inspire curiosity and creativity, and can encourage kids to learn about their own identity and the cultures of others. It can energize their bodies and their minds, and can create lasting connections that they will carry with them throughout their lives.
The definition of museum has been the subject of much discussion over the last two years, and will ultimately be voted on at ICOM’s General Assembly in Prague this August. The debate has been hard-fought, with the new ICOM definition challenging museums to consider diversity in their collections and in their engagement practices, requiring them to shift their goal from transmitting expert knowledge to fostering connection and dialogue. To do this, they must be prepared to take risks and to be willing to challenge the status quo.