A museum is an institution in which collections of cultural and natural history, art, or other subjects are cared for, preserved, exhibited, and explained to the public. Museums also provide research and educational services. In addition to exhibitions, many museums offer other programs, such as lectures and tours. Museums are usually owned and operated by a government, local authority, foundation, or private entity. Some are free and others charge admission. Some are devoted solely to art while others are general museums with collections covering a wide range of subjects. In recent times, museums have increasingly become cultural centers for their cities and communities.
Museums have a long and varied history, but they have only recently begun to play a major role in society as places of education and recreation. Historically, museums have been closely associated with academia and the preservation of rare items. In the 18th century, however, museums began to emphasize educating the public in addition to caring for and displaying their collections. Major professional organizations around the world offer varying definitions of what constitutes a museum, but all recognize that museums should be open to the public and provide educational opportunities to the community.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is one of the largest museums in the world and an iconic global cultural institution. Its collection is vast, spanning the globe and including works by Botticelli, Renoir, Da Vinci, Degas, and other renowned artists. Its Egyptian collection includes the tomb of Perneb and the Temple of Dendur. Its Asian collection contains Harappan relics and Mughal masterpieces. And its American wing features a room from a Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie house.
In addition to its broad scope, the Met’s enduring popularity is due to its unique architecture, which transports visitors to another time and place. The building’s exterior reflects its original Art Deco decadence, while the interior displays paintings, antique furniture from the Hotel Alcazar in Madrid, a massive crystal goblet collection, and sculptures.
Another museum with an out-of-this-world architecture is the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, which combines modern technology with full-scale reconstructions of ancient monuments and ruins. Its visitors are transported to Babylon, Greece, and Rome as they explore the museum’s multiple floors.
For something a little less traditional, the Helsinki City Museum is a great choice. It is not only free to visit but the exhibits are interactive and fun. For example, there is a section on smell that recreates iconic Helsinki scents and another on history that presents scenes of the city’s shared past. The museum also hosts regular temporary exhibitions on topics such as fashion and sports.