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ICOM approves a new museum definition

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ICOM

ICOM approves a new museum definition

Wednesday August 24th, 2022

Over the weekend, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) agreed to a new 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, professionally and with the participation of communities, offering varied experiences for education, enjoyment, reflection and knowledge sharing."

ICOM does not differentiate between galleries and museums, nor does it differentiate between fields of art, history and science. In Australia we use the term 'gallery' or 'art museum' to differentiate between institutions in the service of the visual arts and those in the service of social history and the sciences.

Read the article via The Guardian here: icom.museum/en/news/icom-approves-a-new-museum-definition/


The Public Galleries Association of Victoria (PGAV) acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands where our office is located, and all Traditional Owners of country throughout Victoria and Australia. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples enduring traditions and continuing creative cultures. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

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