A new definition of a museum

Recently, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) officially announced the new definition of museum on its website. Hundreds of museum professionals from 126 national committees around the world debated and voted on a proposal for a new definition of a museum. This new definition is consistent with some significant changes in the role of museums, recognising the importance of inclusion, community involvement and sustainability.

The new definition of a museum is that it is a permanent non-profit institution in the service of society that studies, collects, protects, interprets and displays the material and intangible heritage. Open to the public, accessible and inclusive, the museum promotes diversity and sustainability. Museums are operated and communicated in an ethical and professional manner, and provide diverse experiences for education, appreciation, reflection and knowledge sharing with community participation.

Since its establishment, the International Association of Museums has been constantly revising its definition of museums according to the changing times. Prior to this update, the definition of a museum followed the 2007 interpretation: A museum is a permanent non-profit institution that serves society and its development, is open to the public, and collects, protects, studies, disseminates and exhibits the material and intangible heritage of humanity and the human environment for the purposes of education, research and appreciation.