The term museum has its origins in ancient Greece. The word comes from the Greek word mouseion, which meant “seat of the Muses.” The Latin word “museum” means “place of inquiry and exhibition.” The great Museum of Alexandria, founded by Ptolemy I Soter in the third century bce, was more of a prototype university than a museum. In 15th century Europe, the word “museum” was revived to describe Lorenzo de’ Medici’s collection in Florence. The word conveyed a sense of comprehensiveness.
The new ICOM definition is the result of a long and hard-fought process. During Icom’s recent conference in Kyoto, Japan, the definition was not unanimously adopted. This meant that the old definition, which was drafted in the 1970s, remained in place. The committee’s co-chair, Bruno Brulon, argues that the old definition lacked important terms such as decolonisation, repatriation, and restitution.
Museums can play a significant role in the economic development of a city. They can help revitalize a post-industrial area. Examples of this happen around the world. In Spain, the Guggenheim Bilbao was built with the help of the Basque regional government, which agreed to pay $100 million for the museum. Although the museum cost sparked controversy, the investment has paid off financially for Bilbao. In 2015, 1.1 million visitors visited the museum.
The main purpose of a museum is to educate the public. Tour guides provide information on exhibitions, objects, and historical periods. In addition to these, outreach directors are the links between the museum and the public. They plan educational programs, arrange school tours, visit potential donors, and plan fundraising events. They are also responsible for the museum’s collections.
The Museum of Science and Industry seeks a dynamic, outgoing individual to join its team as an Associate. This position requires part-time hours and reports to the Manager, Visitor Services/Retail. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, depending on the needs of the Museum. Although this position requires part-time hours, internships are available as needed.
A museum is a non-profit institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity. These institutions operate ethically, communicate professionally, and engage their communities. They provide diverse educational and entertainment experiences and promote reflection. They also promote knowledge sharing. A museum can be a cultural hub for a city or region.
The idea of a museum dates back to the ancient world. The Shang dynasty, which ruled from the mid-16th century bce to the eleventh century bce, began collecting objects for the temples and palaces. The Romans also admired art and preserved many works in their public domains. The first century bce deputy of Augustus, Agrippa, commented on the importance of making art available to the people.
Museum jobs are diverse and exciting. They combine your passion for history, culture, art, and music. To be successful, you need to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for this unique career field. Fortunately, online degrees in history can provide you with the knowledge and training you need to succeed in this exciting field.