Museums

The term museum originates from the Greek word ‘Museon’ and ‘Mouseion’
meaning “seat of the Muses.” In ancient Greece, it referred to a place
dedicated to learning, philosophy, and the arts, where scholars gathered for
intellectual and spiritual pursuits.

The word museum was revived in 15th-century Europe to refer to the

collection of Lorenzo de’ Medici in Florence. At that time, however, the term
expressed an idea rather than a specific building. By the 17th century,
museum came to be used in Europe for collections of curiosities. During the
19th and most of the 20th century, the term referred to a building that
housed cultural material and was accessible to the public.

International Council of Museums defines Museum as:-

“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.”

History of Museums

The earliest known museum is Ennigaldi-Nanna’s Museum, dating to around

530 BCE (not 1530 BCE), located in Ur (present-day Iraq). It was curated by
Princess Ennigaldi, the daughter of King Nabonidus, and housed antiquities
such as statues, jewellery, and clay tablets. The museum was part of the
royal palace complex and was not open to the public, serving instead as a
scholarly collection for elite access.

The Greeks and Romans collected objects from different regions of the world
and housed them in temples and other sacred or public spaces, where they
served religious, cultural, and commemorative purposes.
In Alexandria, Library of Alexandria were established by Ptolemy II. This
functioned as a centre of learning and scholarship and also housed an
extensive range of collections.

With significant advancements in art, science, and culture during the

Renaissance, the collection of artistic and scientific specimens grew
substantially. Many of these collections, initially held privately, were later
exhibited to the public. By the 17th century, there was a notable rise in
cabinets of curiosities, where rare and unusual objects were assembled and
displayed.These cabinets of curiosity were assembled by elites who collected
rare and unusual objects for social prestige as well as personal fascination
and intellectual curiosity.

The Ashmolean Museum, established in 1683 in the United Kingdom, is

considered the first public museum. The first corporate body to receive a
private collection, erect a building to house it, and make it publicly available
was the University of Oxford. The collection was donated by Elias Ashmole, a
noted antiquarian and collector, on the condition that a dedicated building be
constructed to receive his collection. This led to the establishment of the
Ashmolean Museum

In India, stupas housing the relics of the Buddha held spiritual significance
and reflected the community’s commitment to preserving sacred cultural
heritage. The concept of a museum in the modern sense arrived in India in
the 18th century, following the establishment of the Asiatic Society in 1784 by
William Jones. The Society took the initiative to create a museum that would
house objects from various disciplines relevant to Oriental studies. In line
with this vision, in 1814, the first museum in India and South Asia was
founded- today known as the Indian Museum, Kolkata. It remains the oldest
and largest museum in India.

The International Council of Museums (ICOM)

The International Council of Museums (ICOM) is a global organization

committed to the promotion and development of museums and the museum
profession. Established in 1946, ICOM works to safeguard the world’s cultural
heritage through international cooperation, standard-setting, and advocacy.
The organization consists of museum professionals from across the world and
collaborates closely with institutions such as UNESCO to advance
preservation, research, and ethical museum practices.
ICOM’s key roles and activities:

 Setting Standards: ICOM establishes ethical guidelines and professional

standards for museums. The ICOM Code of Ethics is a widely respected
reference that outlines best practices for museum management,
collection stewardship, and public service.
 Advocacy and Cultural Protection: It works to protect cultural heritage
during times of conflict or natural disasters. ICOM’s Blue Shield
initiative helps safeguard museums and cultural sites during crises.
 Collaboration and Networking: ICOM fosters international collaboration
by providing a platform for museum professionals from different
countries to collaborate on projects, research, and exhibitions.
 Professional Development: ICOM supports growth of museum
professionals through training, networking, and exchange of
knowledge. It organizes conferences, seminars, and workshops on
various aspects of museum management.
 Raising Awareness: ICOM promotes the role of museums in society and
highlights the importance of cultural heritage. It organizes events like
International Museum Day to raise awareness about the significance of
museums among the public.
 Research and Documentation: The organization also conducts and
supports research on museum-related issues, offering resources and
data to the museum sector in its evolution.