Introduction to Museology:

ABCs of Museum
What is a
museum?
Museums today
should not limit
their role in society
as institutions that
collect, preserve,
study, and exhibit
objects.
Traditionalists Revisionists
The educational role of museums is at the core
of their service to the public.
 “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.”
 1946 1974 2007

A museum is a non-profit “A museum is a non-profit,

The word 'museum' includes making, permanent permanent institution in the
all collections, open to the institution in the service of service of society and its
public, of artistic, technical, the society and its development, open to the
scientific, historical or development, and open to the public, which acquires,
archaeological material, public, which acquires, conserves, researches,
including zoos and botanical conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits
gardens, but excluding communicates, and exhibits, the tangible and intangible
libraries, except in so far as for purposes of study, heritage of humanity and its
they maintain permanent education and enjoyment, environment for the purposes
exhibition rooms. material evidence of man and of education, study and
his environment. enjoyment.”
The word museum comes from the ancient Greek word
mouseion
which refers to a place or temple dedicated to the muses.
(immortal sisters who preside over the arts and sciences)
 The museum in Alexandria
founded in circa 290 BC was
acknowledge by scholars as the
original museum did have objects
but it did not seem like collecting
specimens or objects was critical to
its existence. If functioned more as
a school where scholars and
philosophers such as Euclid
Archimedes, engaged in their
studies.
 In the 1884 Exposición
Nacional de Bellas Artes in
Madrid, where Luna had a
chance to exhibit his
masterpiece Spoliarium, exhibit
items were gathered from all
over the Philippines by
government representatives and
local officials. All items that
were chosen represented the best
of the culture of the Filipinos.
These items were properly
documented and catalogued.

This catalog was at the

Biblioteca Nacional in Madrid.
The 1884 National Fine Arts Exposition in Madrid was the very first
recorded attempt to document and catalog the material culture of the
Philippines.
 The Ashmolean Museum is the
first public museum in England.
It opened to the public in a
purpose-built structure in 1683.
Most of its founding collections
are biological and artifact
collections.
 ‘A’
Artifacts

Objects or materials that have been created,

modified, or used by humans, and are considered
to have historical, cultural, or archaeological
significance. Artifacts can include a wide range of
objects, such as tools, weapons, pottery, clothing,
artwork, buildings, and even human remains.

Artifacts are important because they provide

tangible evidence of past human activities and
allow us to learn about the lives, cultures, and
technologies of past societies. Archaeologists and
historians often study artifacts to gain insights
into the past, and museums and other
institutions may collect and display artifacts to
share their significance with the public.
 ‘B’
Built Heritage

Built heritage refers to the physical structures

and built environments that have been created by
humans over time and are deemed to have
significant historical, cultural, or architectural
value. It includes a wide range of structures such
as buildings, monuments, bridges, and other
physical features that have been created by
humans and that represent cultural heritage.

Built heritage is an important aspect of cultural

identity, and it helps people to understand their
history and cultural roots. These structures and
environments often represent important
milestones in human history, and they tell us a
great deal about how people lived in the past.
 ‘C’
Collection and Curatorial Practice

Collections: The objects and artifacts that

museums acquire, preserve, and display, which
are often of historical, cultural, scientific, or
artistic significance.

Curatorial practice: The process of organizing

and presenting museum exhibitions, including
research, interpretation, and design.
 ‘D’
Digital Technology

The use of digital tools and platforms to enhance

museum experiences and engage with audiences,
such as online exhibitions and virtual tours.

Digital technology has revolutionized the way

museums operate and engage with their
audiences.
 ‘E’
Ethics and Exhibits

Ethics: The principles and values that guide

museum professionals in their work, such as
transparency, accountability, and respect for
cultural heritage.

A museum exhibit is a display or presentation of

objects, artifacts, artworks, or information within
a museum or other cultural institution. Museum
exhibits can be permanent or temporary, and
may include a variety of media, such as text,
audio, video, and interactive displays. The goal of
a museum exhibit is to present information and
objects in an engaging and informative way that
encourages visitors to learn and explore.
 ‘F’
Funding

The financial resources that enable museums to

operate, including government grants, private
donations, and corporate sponsorships.

Museum funding can come from various sources,

including:
1. Government Grants
2. Private Donations
3. Endowments
4. Membership Programs
5. Fundraising events
6. Corporate Sponsorship
7. Grants
 ‘G’
Gallery

A museum gallery is a space within a museum

that is dedicated to displaying works of art,
artifacts, or other objects of cultural or historical
significance. Museum galleries can vary greatly in
size and design, depending on the museum's
collection and the type of exhibits being
displayed. They may be organized thematically,
chronologically, or by medium, and typically
include informational panels, labels, or other
interpretive materials to help visitors understand
the significance of the objects on display. Some
museum galleries may also feature interactive
exhibits or multimedia displays to engage visitors
and enhance their understanding of the
collection.
 ‘H’
Heritage and History

The cultural and historical legacies that museums

seek to preserve and interpret for future
generations.
 ‘I’
Interpretation

The process of explaining and contextualizing

museum collections and exhibitions for visitors,
using a variety of educational and engagement
strategies.
 ‘J’
Jurisdiction

The legal authority and responsibilities of

museums, including ownership and stewardship
of collections, and compliance with regulations
and laws.
 ‘K’
Knowledge sharing

The exchange of ideas and information among

museum professionals, scholars, and the broader
public, to advance research, understanding, and
appreciation of museum collections and
exhibitions.
 ‘L’
Learning

The educational programs and resources that

museums offer to audiences of all ages, to deepen
their knowledge and engagement with museum
collections and exhibitions.
 ‘M’
Management

The administrative and operational functions

that ensure museums are efficiently and
effectively run, including finance, human
resources, and facilities.
 ‘N’
Networking

The collaborative relationships that museums

build with other institutions and organizations,
to share resources, expertise, and best practices.
 ‘O’
Outreach

The administrative and operational functions

that ensure museums are efficiently and
effectively run, including finance, human
resources, and facilities.
 ‘P’
Preservation

The practices and techniques that museums use

to protect and conserve their collections,
including preventive conservation, remedial
conservation, and restoration.
 ‘R’
Research

The scholarly investigation and interpretation of

museum collections, using a variety of disciplines
and methodologies.
 ‘S’
Sustainability

The efforts that museums make to reduce their

environmental impact, conserve natural
resources, and promote sustainable practices.
 ‘T’
Technology

The tools and equipment that museums use to

manage and display their collections, including
database systems, conservation equipment, and
exhibition design software.
 ‘U’
Universal Design

The principles of designing museum exhibitions

and spaces that are accessible and inclusive for all
visitors, regardless of physical or cognitive
abilities.
 ‘V’
Volunteers

The contributions that volunteers make to

museums, including serving as docents, assisting
with programs and events, and supporting
administrative functions.
 ‘W’
Web Presence

The digital platforms and strategies that

museums use to connect with audiences online,
including websites, social media, and mobile
apps.
 ‘Z’
Zooarcheology

The study of animal remains in museum

collections, which can provide insights into past
human behavior, diet, and environment.
Class Assignment
Watch the ICOM webinar, “Museum, Sustainable Cities and Communities” at
YouTube. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwRyyEvoNr0