A museum is an institution that collects, preserves, researches, studies, interprets, and displays cultural or natural heritage for the purpose of education, research, enjoyment, and knowledge sharing. It is not for profit, open to the public, and operates ethically, professionally, with community participation and in communication.
Throughout the ages museums have taken many forms. From a private collection of art and historical objects to the re-creation of a king’s palace to modern edifices that showcase a wide range of cultures and disciplines in the context of a dynamic exhibition space. Museums have evolved to become places that transcend time and culture, and are often cited as an ideal place to engage people in learning more about the world around them.
But a museum’s true mission lies not in its buildings, collections, and exhibitions; it is in the way that these institutions connect with their visitors. The best museums offer more than an opportunity to view art or history – they inspire the visitor to change the world.
In the 1960s and 1970s, architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Frank Gehry, Jean Nouvel, and Mies van der Rohe challenged the traditional notion of what a museum should be with bold designs that were innovative and ahead of their time. They sparked debate both within the American and international architectural communities on issues such as whether or not design overshadowed content, and how to display paintings on curved walls.
Today, museums continue to challenge the status quo by embracing a range of different roles in society and by creating spaces that are innovative and forward-looking. Some museums, like the Guggenheim in Bilbao, Spain – which initially sparked protests from the local population because of its colossal cost – are considered to be catalysts for urban renewal and rejuvenation. Others, such as the Tate Modern in London, have used architecture to redefine contemporary art and make it accessible to new audiences.
Other museums, such as the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, use their collections and exhibitions to inform and shape civic discourse. And still others, such as the Denver Art Museum in Colorado, utilize their buildings to serve as educational and cultural centers for a diverse community.
The new definition of a museum will allow museums to work together to address common concerns and develop more unified strategies in their respective fields. In doing so, museums will be able to create spaces that are more relevant to the lives of their visitors.
For those who may dismiss a visit to the museum as a waste of time, it’s important to remember that museums can be powerful agents of social change. The world’s best museums beckon to visitors with their carefully curated collections and transcendent exhibitions, making them a powerful vehicle for learning about other cultures, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.