A museum is an institution created to collect and preserve cultural objects and provide public access to them. It also carries out research, education and publication activities in order to make its collections available to the public. Historically museums have been established as buildings housing cultural material but over time they have increasingly come to encompass open-air museums, ecomuseums and virtual museums. Museums can be private or public and for-profit or nonprofit. They may be managed by an independent board of trustees, a council of elected representatives or a foundation.
The word museum has classical origins. It was originally a Greek noun meaning seat of the Muses and was applied to places where philosophical discussion took place. During the 18th century use of the term began to extend more broadly and museums were defined as institutions that held collections and displayed them to the public.
Museums have long been considered to be important cultural institutions that serve as recorders of human activity and natural history. They are also important centres for learning and recreation. For this reason many governments around the world have sought to support museum-building programs and other services. Some have even set aside funds to promote the development of museums.
In recent times there has been a movement in museums towards an emphasis on their role as social institutions and a recognition that museums must respond to the changing needs of society. This has been reflected in a growing body of theory that has become known as museology. This has given rise to museums that are designed around a specific theme, such as war museums or museums dedicated to samurai warriors.
A few years ago the American Alliance of Museums adopted a definition for museums that includes a commitment to serve as educational and recreational resources for their communities. It also recognizes that museums should be active participants in their communities and that they should work with local groups to meet community needs.
Whether it’s testing your ability to beat Usain Bolt’s 100m world record, attempting to complete cross-country running tracks or trying out the outfits worn by Torvill and Dean this is an incredible museum that will keep you entertained and educated for hours. The only problem is you will be exhausted by the end of it – this is definitely a museum that requires at least a full day.
This museum is one of the most fascinating and interactive museums I have ever been to. From its beautiful gardens to rooms filled with meticulously catalogued skeletons, mineral displays and a trip into the Earth’s core there is something for everyone here. The staff here are so passionate and knowledgeable about what they do, they really put the visitor first and are able to explain everything in a way that is easy to understand. You will leave this museum with so much more knowledge and a desire to learn more. I highly recommend it.