Icom has approved a new definition of a museum for the first time in 50 years after an unanimous vote by members at the International Council of Museums conference in Prague.
The new definition is as follows:
“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, professionally and with the participation of communities, offering varied experiences for education, enjoyment, reflection and knowledge sharing.”
The vote comes after an 18-month participatory process involving hundreds of museum professionals from 126 of Icom’s National Committees from across the globe.
Representatives from more than 500 institutions all over the world voted to pass the new definition, which references inclusivity, accessibility, diversity and sustainability.
“This new definition is aligned with some of the major changes in the role of museums today,” Alberto Garlandi, Icom president, told The Art Newspaper.
“We have been forced to change. I really think that this this decision will improve the role of the museum around the world.”
The old definition of a museum was created in the 1970s and last amended in 2007.
“Museums foster diversity and sustainability“
“The old definition did not reflect the reality of Icom or the reality of museums around the world,” Bruno Brulon, co-chair of Icom Define, the standing committee for the new definition, told the publication.
“We had to speak to and listen to people with very different perspectives. Some people think a term like repatriation is a very political word. But this new definition is still, I think, a very progressive statement.”
Some museum professionals have said the new definition is not progressive enough as phrases such as decolonisation and repatriation are not included.
Image: British Museum
