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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>
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