ICOM Approves New Museum Definition After Six-Year Process

ICOM International has approved a new definition of "museum" at its conference in Prague, replacing the 2007 version. The update, developed over six years by 126 National Committees, reorders priorities: research now comes first, "collects" replaces "acquires" to better suit intangible heritage, and "interpretation" is added alongside exhibition. The second paragraph introduces accessibility, inclusivity, diversity, sustainability, ethical conduct, community participation, and knowledge sharing. The full new definition reads: "The museum is a permanent, non-profit institution serving society, which researches, collects, conserves, interprets, and exhibits tangible and intangible heritage. Open to the public, accessible and inclusive, museums promote diversity and sustainability. They operate and communicate ethically and professionally with community participation, offering diverse experiences for education, pleasure, reflection, and knowledge sharing." The article, published on Artribune, critically examines whether this change will have real impact.