Colleagues, some further remarks:
-----Original Message-----
From: International Council of Museums Discussion List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Michael Cooper
Sent: quinta-feira, 9 de outubro de 2003 07:52
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Definition of a Museum
> A collection is not a given.
> Typically, science centres, some of which use museum in
> their name, do not typically hold collections. Similarly,
> childrens' museums and
> virtual museums do not hold collection.
Does calling yourself a museum make you a museum?
The concept of collection must be considered in its broader senses:
narratives (the root lec [collectio] belongs to log [logos] [better
l*c]), selected originals, symbols or tools. Also, a virtual museum
holds collection, in a digital but no less real form.
>If a "museum" held
> one object would
> it be a collection or do we need to have a minimum number?
Interesting point, but is it likely to happen?
Yes, many times. Letīs consider the 2000 Boat Museum in the North of the
Galilee Sea, Israel, a magnificent building and an advanced museography
displaying just one single boat - 2.000 years old. The whole processes
of rescuing and conservating the piece makes also a subject. It is a
great museum experience.
> Research is not a given.
> Many local museums, smaller museums, etc. do not have the
> funds or qualified staff to undertake research but are trying their
> best to preserve objects.
Trying to define research is as hard as defining a museum ... Harder,
perhaps. Many curators would deny they have the opportunity or resources
for "research" whereas in fact they do some form of research into their
collections almost everyday.
I suppose that with no research there is no collection. Except if we
accept that collections are natural beings.
> Nonprofit is not a given.
> Some museums/science centres, etc., have to generate
> revenue. They could be a public institution that is mandated to show a
> profit or
> close.
Yes. We make money. But we don't make a profit.
> In my view, museums should exist to serve the public, not to serve a
> collection. That being said, if the museum was closed to the public
> but still had a collection and did research would it still be a
> museum? Reluctantly, I would have to respond "yes" but it would be a
> museum without
> real meaning or purpose.
Wouldn't it just be a collection? I have a personal collection, and I
research it. But my home is not a museum (no matter what the removal men
said).
Michael
Michael P. Cooper
Nottingham Museums Registrar
T: +44 (0)115 915 3671
F: +44 (0)115 915 3601
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