National Museums — Definition

Definition

Museums are institutions that care for collections, research them and support public understanding through interpretation and access. Their work includes records, material conservation and decisions about how objects and histories are presented.

A national museum is therefore more than an exhibition building or a store of valuable things. Its public value depends on trustworthy information, professional care and meaningful engagement with different audiences.

Digital images can extend access, but they do not replace the original objects, establish missing provenance or eliminate the need for physical conservation.