The list often seems interested in these definitions so here is the
definition of a museum agreed at the 1998 Annual General Meeing of the
Museums Association (UK):

Museums enable people to explore collections for inspiration, learning
and enjoyment. They are institutions that collect, safeguard and make
accessible artefacts and specimens, which they hold in trust for
society.

Note

A collection is an organised assemblage of selected material evidence of
human activity or the natural environment, accompanied by associated
information. As well as objects, scientific specimens or works of art
held within a museum building, a collection may include buildings or
sites.

Safeguarding includes undertaking conservation, security and collections
management.

Making accessible includes undertaking interpretation, education,
exhibition, outreach, documentation, research and publication, within or
outside the museum's own buildings.

The definition can also be used in the singular: A museum enables people
to explore collections for inspiration, learning and enjoyment. It is an
institution that collects, safeguards and makes accessible artefacts and
specimens, which it holds in trust for society.



Rosemary Silvester
British Association of Friends of Museums
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