ICOM approves a new museum definition

On August 24th, in the framework of the 26th ICOM General Conference held in Prague, the ICOM Extraordinary General Assembly approved a new museum definition. The vote is the culmination of an 18-month participatory process that involved hundreds of museum professionals from 126 National Committees from all over the world.

OMA Executive Director Marie Lalonde is glad to share this significant moment with our sector, as she was a part of the international Museum Definition Working Group to bring the Ontario, Canadian, and Francophone perspective to these important conversations. The OMA looks forward to sharing more about how this new Museum Definition will guide our sector, inspire our museums to achieve these aims, and serve as the central reference for all museum stakeholders, including governments, for policy and programs.

The new text reads:
“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.”

Le nouveau texte se lit comme suit :
“Un musée est une institution permanente, à but non lucratif et au service de la société, qui se consacre à la recherche, la collecte, la conservation, l’interprétation et l’exposition du patrimoine matériel et immatériel. Ouvert au public, accessible et inclusif, il encourage la diversité et la durabilité. Les musées opèrent et communiquent de manière éthique et professionnelle, avec la participation de diverses communautés. Ils offrent à leurs publics des expériences variées d’éducation, de divertissement, de réflexion et de partage de connaissances.”

Read more HERE.