ICOM announced the new museum definition on August 24 2022, during 26th ICOM General Conference in Prague.
“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 definition was elected to include the current challenges facing the heritage world.
We are anticipating seeing how museums embrace this change moving towards inclusivity and active engagement of the communities. Furthermore, sustainability, both financial and environmental, is key to museum and heritage organisations and we hope to see more changes moving forward.
I want to learn more:
ICOM approves a new museum definition
