Hey guys! Ever wondered what exactly a museum is? It sounds like a simple question, but the definition of a museum has actually been a hot topic of debate for years! The International Council of Museums (ICOM), the big cheese when it comes to museums globally, proposed a new definition in 2019 that stirred up quite a buzz. Let's break it down and see what all the fuss was about.

What is ICOM?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the 2019 definition, let's talk a bit about ICOM. The International Council of Museums (ICOM) is a non-governmental organization that represents museums and museum professionals worldwide. Think of them as the United Nations of the museum world! Founded in 1946, ICOM is committed to the conservation, protection, and promotion of the world’s natural and cultural heritage. They set ethical and professional standards for museums, organize conferences and training programs, and advocate for museums on an international level. Basically, if it involves museums, ICOM is probably involved somehow.

ICOM plays a crucial role in shaping the museum landscape. They provide a platform for museum professionals to connect, collaborate, and share best practices. They also work to raise public awareness of the importance of museums and their role in society. So, when ICOM proposes a new definition of a museum, it's kind of a big deal. It sets the tone for how museums see themselves and how they are perceived by the public. ICOM’s work extends beyond just defining museums; they are deeply involved in combating the illicit trafficking of cultural goods, promoting sustainable practices in museums, and advocating for the role of museums in education and community development. Their various committees and working groups tackle a wide range of issues, ensuring that museums remain relevant and responsive to the changing needs of society. The organization's global reach and influence make it a vital force in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage worldwide, making any updates or changes they make to longstanding definitions incredibly important.

The Old Definition (Pre-2019)

Okay, so what was the old definition of a museum before all this 2019 business? Prior to 2019, ICOM defined a museum as "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." It's a bit of a mouthful, right? But let's unpack it. The key elements of this definition included:

• Non-profit: Museums weren't in it for the money.
• Permanent institution: They were meant to stick around for the long haul.
• In the service of society: Museums existed to benefit the public.
• Acquires, conserves, researches, communicates, and exhibits: This covered the core functions of a museum.
• Tangible and intangible heritage: Museums dealt with both physical objects and cultural traditions.
• Education, study, and enjoyment: These were the intended outcomes for visitors.

This definition served the museum community for many years and provided a solid framework for understanding the role of museums in society. However, as the world changed, some felt that this definition was becoming outdated and no longer fully captured the evolving nature of museums. The rise of new technologies, changing social values, and a greater emphasis on community engagement all contributed to the need for a fresh look at what it means to be a museum in the 21st century. The old definition, while comprehensive, was seen by some as too focused on the traditional functions of collecting and preserving, and not enough on the museum's role as a dynamic and socially responsible institution. This led to discussions and debates within ICOM about the need for a more inclusive and forward-looking definition that would better reflect the diverse and evolving landscape of the museum world.

Why the Change?

So, if the old definition was working fine, why did ICOM feel the need to change it? Well, the museum world is constantly evolving, guys. Museums are no longer seen as just dusty repositories of old stuff. They're becoming more interactive, community-focused, and socially conscious. The old definition, some argued, didn't fully capture this shift. There was a growing feeling that the definition needed to be more inclusive, reflecting the diversity of museum practices around the world and acknowledging the changing role of museums in society. Some of the key drivers behind the push for a new definition included:

• A desire for greater inclusivity: The old definition was seen as too Eurocentric and not representative of museum practices in other parts of the world.
• A recognition of the importance of community engagement: Museums are increasingly seen as spaces for dialogue and collaboration with local communities.
• A growing awareness of social and ethical issues: Museums are grappling with issues such as repatriation, decolonization, and social justice.
• The rise of new technologies: Digital technologies are transforming the way museums operate and engage with audiences.

These factors all contributed to a sense that the old definition was no longer fit for purpose and that a new definition was needed to guide museums in the 21st century. The process of developing a new definition was a complex and challenging one, involving extensive consultations with museum professionals around the world. There were many different perspectives and opinions on what a museum should be, and it was not easy to reach a consensus. However, the ultimate goal was to create a definition that would be relevant, inclusive, and inspiring for museums of all types and sizes, helping them to fulfill their mission of serving society and preserving cultural heritage for future generations. This reflects the dynamic nature of the museum world, which is constantly adapting to meet the changing needs and expectations of its audiences.

The Proposed 2019 Definition

Alright, drumroll please! The proposed 2019 definition was: "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."

Whoa, that's quite a shift from the old definition, right? Let's break down the key elements:

• Democratising, inclusive, and polyphonic spaces: This emphasizes the importance of museums as spaces for diverse voices and perspectives.
• Critical dialogue: Museums are seen as places for discussing important social and political issues.
• Acknowledging and addressing conflicts and challenges: Museums are expected to engage with difficult and controversial topics.
• Safeguard diverse memories: This highlights the role of museums in preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
• Guarantee equal rights and equal access: This emphasizes the importance of accessibility and inclusivity.

This definition was a significant departure from the previous one, reflecting a more socially conscious and politically engaged view of museums. It emphasized the role of museums as spaces for dialogue, debate, and social change, rather than simply repositories of objects. The inclusion of terms like "democratizing," "inclusive," and "polyphonic" signaled a commitment to greater inclusivity and representation within the museum sector. The definition also acknowledged the importance of addressing difficult and controversial topics, such as colonialism, racism, and social injustice. While the proposed definition was intended to be more relevant and inclusive, it also sparked considerable debate and controversy within the museum community.

The Controversy

Okay, so here's where things get interesting. The 2019 definition wasn't exactly universally loved. In fact, it sparked a major backlash within the museum community. Many felt that it was too politically charged and didn't adequately reflect the core functions of museums, such as collecting, preserving, and researching. Some of the main criticisms included:

• Too vague and abstract: Critics argued that the definition was too broad and lacked concrete guidance for museums.
• Too politically charged: Some felt that the definition was too focused on social and political issues and didn't adequately recognize the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
• Not universally applicable: Others argued that the definition was not relevant to all types of museums, particularly those focused on science or natural history.
• Lack of emphasis on core functions: Many felt that the definition didn't adequately emphasize the traditional functions of museums, such as collecting, preserving, and researching.

The debate over the 2019 definition highlighted the diverse perspectives and values within the museum community. Some saw the definition as a bold and necessary step towards a more socially engaged and inclusive museum sector, while others viewed it as a misguided attempt to politicize museums and undermine their traditional mission. The controversy ultimately led ICOM to postpone the vote on the definition and to launch a new round of consultations with museum professionals around the world. This underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue and debate within the museum community to ensure that the definition of a museum remains relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of society.

Where Do Things Stand Now?

So, what's the status of the museum definition now? Well, after all the controversy, ICOM decided to postpone the vote on the 2019 definition. They went back to the drawing board and launched a new process to develop a definition that would be more widely accepted. As of 2022, ICOM adopted a new definition: "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."

This new definition attempts to strike a balance between the traditional functions of museums and the need for greater social responsibility and inclusivity. It retains some of the key elements of the old definition, such as the emphasis on research, collecting, and conservation, while also incorporating new elements such as sustainability and community participation. While it may not be perfect, this new definition represents a compromise that reflects the diverse perspectives and values within the museum community. The process of developing a museum definition is an ongoing one, and it is likely that the definition will continue to evolve as the museum world changes and adapts to new challenges and opportunities.

What Does This Mean for You?

Okay, so why should you care about all this museum definition stuff? Well, whether you're a museum professional, a student, or just someone who enjoys visiting museums, the definition of a museum matters. It shapes how museums see themselves, how they operate, and how they engage with the public. A clear and relevant definition can help museums to:

• Define their mission and purpose: A good definition can provide a framework for museums to articulate their role in society.
• Set ethical and professional standards: The definition can help to guide museum practice and ensure that museums operate in a responsible and ethical manner.
• Advocate for museums: A strong definition can help to raise public awareness of the importance of museums and their contribution to society.
• Attract funding and support: Funders and policymakers are more likely to support museums that have a clear and well-defined mission.

Ultimately, the definition of a museum is about more than just words. It's about the values, principles, and aspirations that guide the museum community. By understanding the debates and discussions surrounding the museum definition, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the role of museums in society and their potential to make a positive impact on the world. So, next time you visit a museum, take a moment to reflect on what it means to you and how it contributes to your understanding of the world around you.