Hey guys! Ever wondered what exactly makes a museum a museum? The International Council of Museums (ICOM) has been on the case, and their 2019 definition sparked some serious buzz in the museum world. Let's dive into what ICOM came up with and why it matters.

What is ICOM?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the definition, let's talk about ICOM itself. The International Council of Museums (ICOM) is like the United Nations of the museum world. It's a global organization committed to the promotion and protection of natural and cultural heritage, both present and future, tangible and intangible. Founded in 1946, ICOM provides a professional and ethical framework for museums and museum professionals worldwide. With thousands of members across the globe, ICOM plays a vital role in shaping museum standards, advocating for museum interests, and fostering international collaboration. It’s basically the go-to organization for anything and everything museum-related. Think of them as the guardians of our collective memory, ensuring that museums continue to serve as vital centers for education, research, and cultural exchange.

ICOM's work is structured around several key areas. They develop and promote ethical standards for museums, which serve as guidelines for best practices in areas such as acquisition, conservation, and public engagement. They also advocate for the role of museums in society, highlighting their importance in education, research, and cultural preservation. Furthermore, ICOM facilitates international collaboration among museums, organizing conferences, workshops, and training programs that bring together museum professionals from around the world. They also work to protect cultural heritage in danger, assisting museums in areas affected by conflict or natural disasters. By setting standards, advocating for museums, and fostering collaboration, ICOM ensures that museums remain relevant and impactful in a rapidly changing world. It is through their dedication and tireless efforts that museums can continue to inspire, educate, and connect people across cultures and generations.

The Previous Definition

Before 2019, the widely accepted definition of a museum, maintained by ICOM, was something along the lines of: "A museum is a non-profit, permanent institution in the service of society and its development, open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment for the purposes of education, study and enjoyment." Pretty straightforward, right? It covers the basics: museums are non-profits, they're permanent, they serve society, and they're all about preserving and sharing our heritage. This definition had been the standard for decades, providing a clear and concise understanding of what a museum is and what it does. It emphasized the role of museums in preserving and interpreting cultural and natural heritage, making it accessible to the public for education and enjoyment. This definition was also instrumental in guiding museum practices and policies worldwide, ensuring that museums adhered to certain ethical and professional standards. It served as a benchmark for museums, helping them to define their mission, develop their collections, and engage with their communities. However, as society evolved, so did the understanding of what a museum could and should be. The traditional definition, while comprehensive, began to feel somewhat limiting, failing to fully capture the dynamic and evolving role of museums in the 21st century.

Why a New Definition?

So, why did ICOM feel the need to shake things up and come up with a new definition? Well, the world is constantly changing, and museums need to keep up. The old definition, while solid, didn't quite capture the evolving role of museums in the 21st century. Think about it: museums are no longer just static repositories of artifacts. They're becoming more interactive, more community-focused, and more engaged with contemporary social issues. The impetus for a new definition stemmed from a growing recognition that the traditional understanding of museums was no longer adequate to reflect the diversity and complexity of modern museum practice. Museums were increasingly engaging with issues such as social justice, environmental sustainability, and cultural diversity, and the old definition didn't fully capture these new roles. Moreover, there was a desire to make the definition more inclusive and representative of the global museum community, taking into account the diverse perspectives and practices of museums around the world. The process of developing a new definition was a long and complex one, involving extensive consultation with museum professionals, academics, and community representatives from around the world. It reflected a collective effort to redefine the role of museums in society, ensuring that they remain relevant and impactful in a rapidly changing world.

The Proposed 2019 Definition

Here's where things get interesting. After a lot of debate and discussion, ICOM proposed a new definition in 2019: "Museums are democratising, inclusive and polyphonic spaces for critical dialogue about the pasts and the futures. Acknowledging and addressing the conflicts and challenges of the present, they hold artefacts and specimens in trust for society, safeguard diverse memories for future generations and guarantee equal rights and equal access to heritage for all people."

Breaking It Down

Let's break down this new definition and see what makes it tick:

• Democratising: This means museums are becoming more accessible and inclusive, empowering visitors to participate in shaping the museum's narrative.
• Inclusive: Museums are striving to represent diverse voices and perspectives, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and represented.
• Polyphonic: This refers to the idea that museums should present multiple perspectives and interpretations, rather than a single, authoritative narrative.
• Critical Dialogue: Museums are spaces for open and honest conversations about the past, present, and future, even when those conversations are difficult or challenging.

This new definition emphasizes the role of museums as active participants in society, engaging with contemporary issues and fostering dialogue and understanding. It recognizes that museums are not neutral spaces, but rather sites of contestation and negotiation, where different perspectives and interpretations are brought into conversation. It also highlights the importance of museums in safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations, ensuring that everyone has equal access to the richness and diversity of human history and culture. By embracing these principles, museums can become more relevant, more engaging, and more impactful, serving as vital resources for their communities.

Why the Controversy?

Okay, so this new definition sounds pretty good, right? More inclusive, more engaged, more relevant. So what's the problem? Well, not everyone was thrilled with it. Some critics felt that the definition was too vague and idealistic, lacking the clarity and precision of the previous definition. They argued that the new definition was more of a statement of values than a practical guide for museum practice. There were also concerns that the new definition was too focused on contemporary social issues, potentially neglecting the traditional functions of museums, such as collecting, preserving, and researching artifacts. Some museum professionals worried that the new definition would be difficult to implement in practice, particularly for smaller museums with limited resources. Others questioned whether the new definition accurately reflected the diversity of museum practice around the world, arguing that it was too focused on Western perspectives. The debate over the new definition highlighted the complex and evolving nature of the museum profession, as well as the challenges of defining such a diverse and multifaceted institution.

The Outcome

Ultimately, the proposed definition didn't pass. ICOM members felt it needed more work, and the process of redefining what a museum is continues. Even though the 2019 definition wasn't officially adopted, it sparked a lot of important conversations within the museum world. It forced museum professionals to think critically about the role of museums in society, the values they uphold, and the ways they engage with their communities. The debate over the definition also highlighted the diversity of museum practice around the world, as well as the challenges of creating a definition that is both inclusive and meaningful. While the search for a universally accepted definition continues, the conversations and reflections that have emerged from this process have undoubtedly enriched the museum profession and helped to shape its future direction. It's a reminder that museums are not static institutions, but rather dynamic and evolving entities that are constantly adapting to meet the needs of their communities and the challenges of the world around them. The discussions about the new ICOM museum definition are still ongoing, highlighting the need for museums to constantly adapt and redefine their roles in a rapidly changing world.

The Current Definition

As of 2022, here’s the current ICOM definition of a museum: "A museum is a not-for-profit, permanent institution in the service of society that researches, collects, conserves, interprets and exhibits tangible and intangible heritage. Open to the public, accessible and inclusive, museums foster diversity and sustainability. They operate and communicate ethically and professionally and with the participation of communities, offering varied experiences for education, enjoyment, reflection and knowledge sharing."

Key Takeaways

• ICOM's role: ICOM sets the standard for museums worldwide.
• The 2019 definition aimed for: More inclusivity, democratization, and social awareness.
• The controversy: Showed the diverse opinions within the museum world.
• The current definition: reflects a balance between traditional values and modern aspirations.

So, there you have it! The saga of ICOM's museum definition is a fascinating glimpse into the evolving world of museums. It shows that defining something as seemingly simple as a museum is actually a complex and ongoing process. Keep exploring, keep questioning, and keep supporting your local museums! They're vital to our communities and our understanding of the world. Remember that museums are more than just places to see old stuff; they're dynamic centers for learning, dialogue, and community engagement. By supporting museums, you're investing in the preservation of our cultural heritage and the enrichment of our society.