It's a pleasure to follow this ICOM-DL discussion on how to define
MUSEUM .
Geoffry's proposed definition with his comments englobes in an excellent
way what a Museum does, should and could do, and where and what it is.
To my understanding it presents a vision where I perceive very well
society(-ies) in its/their cultural diversity, though little of the
individual -
and it is always individuals who visit the museum, to enjoy themselves
and/or to learn, on their own or in more or less organised crowds.
Only enlarging these individuals' perception does results in
making societies aware of and perhaps even fostering changes in
society - so I would like to see this aspect of the individual's role
enhanced.
I very much enjoyed David's citational shot from P.D. James "murder
room", which inspired me to try to construct a synthesis of both texts
with my own perception and concerns - in case that there would
be an interest to develop this text further, copyright questions and
the way to cite would have to be looked at.
Follows my proposal :
"A museum is about life as a whole and, in its former, present and
future form, of individuals and groups and their tangible and
intangible production, of men and women's organisation of (their)
societies, and about continuing life in this world (on this planet).
It researches, preserves and presents (in an ethical [and/or]
responsible way) (life's / its) heritance, e.g. its tangible and
intangible reminents and traces, real or in virtual form, on a
permanent and non-profit basis, in a real or virtual place to
which the public has access, for the benefit and the enjoyment
of all members of mankind, of those living now, being conscient
of their (moral) obligation to transmit this heritage as unharmed
as possible (, including the related [actual] knowledge base,)
to those (who) to come, with respect fore those who were."
Words or wordings in brackets can be eliminated all together
or in part, or serve as substitute or be incorporated, all or in part.
I am in favor of Davids proposal to use the last phrase of the
his James's citation in one or the other form as an ICOM
slogan or credo:
"No one with any human curiosity can dislike a museum".
Xoph
Hans-Christoph von Imhoff
31, Blvd. de Pérolles
1700 Fribourg / Switzerland
tel 0041 (0) 321 14 44
fax 0041 (0) 321 14 44
[log in to unmask]
Geoffry Lewis' Text for comparison
"A knowledge base of the tangible and intangible evidence of the
cultural and natural inheritance of humanity. Such a collection,
normally in the form of objects or specimens, preserves, promotes and
presents this heritage for the benefit of society and its development on
a non-profit, permanent basis. A museum is also a place, real or
virtual, to which the public have access to benefit from such
activities".
You'll find David's citation of P.D.James a few chapters further down :
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Grattan" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, October 20, 2003 2:22 PM
Subject: Re: Definition of a Museum
> I have been observing the attempt to define a Museum from the sidelines -
> and noting how difficult it is to come to an agreement. Everyone sees the
> issue differently - and somehow the concept remains elusive. Seems to me
> thats where this interesting debate is at present.
>
> I happened to begin to read P.D. James's latest offering "the Murder Room"
> over the weekend - I am sure many of us share an enthusiasm for this
erudite
> author of detective stories. Interestingly, "The Murder Room" is centred
on
> a mythical museum - "The Dupayne" - and in the novel two characters
discuss
> the meaning of a museum - Here are the comments by the curator
>
> I quote directly from page 58 of the novel:
>
> "No, a Museum is about life. It's about the individual life, how
it
> was lived. It's about the corporate life of men and women organizing their
> societies. . Its about the continuing life of the species Homo sapiens. No
> one with any human curiosity can dislike a museum."
>
> It seems to me taht there are several concepts here that our debate seems
to
> have missed namely - individual life, corporate organization and the
> continuing life of the species. If we hold these concepts in mind I am
sure
> that we could come up with a defition which is better connected to people
> and how they live their lives. And, finally, the last line is wonderful -
> perhaps it should be adopted as the motto of ICOM.
>
> David Grattan
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Herreman" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Saturday, October 18, 2003 11:00 PM
> Subject: FW: Definition of a Museum
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Herreman [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Sábado, 18 de Octubre de 2003 08:39 p.m.
> To: 'Geoffrey Lewis'
> Subject: RE: Definition of a Museum
>
>
> I think that Geoffrey´s definition points out a new approach to defining
> Museum.
> I like that. It seems to me it opens new ways to verbalize what a museum
> is, not only how it looks or what it physically does but what it conveys
> to society and what role it plays within society. Museums, from my point
> of view, deal very closely with untangible issues through its exhibited
> collections and the way they are exhibited.
> Using Geoffrey´s basic "corps des idées" many societies, if not all,
> have a "museum".From this main idea a definition could be sought that
> also includes other features of today´s museums. Did I understand
> correctly, Geoffrey?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: International Council of Museums Discussion List
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Geoffrey Lewis
> Sent: Miércoles, 08 de Octubre de 2003 05:07 a.m.
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Definition of a Museum
>
>
> The work of the Ethics Committee and, I guess, in defining membership
> eligibility in ICOM is far more about the activities constituting a
> museum rather than a building, institution or organisation that may or
> may not be a museum. I think therefore we have to be more radical in our
> approach todefining the term "museum". To use the term as an adjective,
> however, would be etymologically incorrect. There is, however, good
> precedent in both English and French for its use in the context of a
> collection - the reason for these activities.
>
> I suggest the following definition, therefore, to develop argument on
> this basis:
>
> Museum: A knowledge base of the tangible and intangible evidence of the
> cultural and natural inheritance of humanity. Such a collection,
> normally in the form of objects or specimens, preserves, promotes and
> presents this heritage for the benefit of society and its development on
> a non-profit, permanent basis. A museum is also a place, real or
> virtual, to which the public have access to benefit from such
> activities.
>
> Geoffrey Lewis
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Gary Edson" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 2003 3:50 PM
> Subject: Definition of a Museum
>
>
> > Colleagues:
> >
> > The following is one of the definition that has been suggested. What
> > are your thoughts about this idea. Does it adequately describe a
> > "museum," or is it too broad, too limiting, too inclusive, or too
> > exclusive?
> >
> >
> > A MUSEUM IS AN EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATION THAT SERVES THE PUBLIC BY
> > INTERPRETING SCIENTIFIC, CULTURAL AND/OR NATURAL HERITAGE THROUGH THE
> > USE OF A PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT AND OFTEN OBJECTS. MUSEUMS THAT HOLD
> > COLLECTIONS CARE FOR THEM AS A PUBLIC TRUST AND PRESERVE THEM FOR THE
> > FUTURE.
> >
> > Gary Edson
> >
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> >
> > Change ICOM-L subscription options, unsubscribe, and search the
> > archives at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/icom-l.html
> >
> >
>
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