museology
Study of museums
Museology is the study of museums—their history, organization, and social function.
The field covers how museums acquire, preserve, and display objects, as well as how they engage with visitors and communities.
A museologist might analyze exhibition design, collection ethics, or a museum's role in cultural education.
She pursued a degree in museology before becoming a curator.
Systematic organization into records
- provenanceRecord of ownership
- acquisitionAct of obtaining something
- classificationSystematic grouping by traits
- accessionAttainment of high office
deaccession · authentication · appraisal · documentation · inventory · stewardship · loan agreements · registrar
Presentation for viewing
- installationProcess of putting in
- interpretationAssigned meaning
- labelingAssigning identifying markers
- signagePosted public displays
interactive displays · multimedia · lighting design · vitrine · diorama · showcase · blockbuster · permanent collection
Maintaining something's condition
- restorationReturning something to condition
- preventive careHealth maintenance before disease
- stabilizationProcess of becoming steady
- humidity controlManaging air's water content
lighting · cleaning · storage · handling · deterioration · reversibility · patina · encapsulation
Proactive community assistance
- workshopsGroup learning sessions
- lecturesFormal instructional talks
- guided toursTrips with an expert leader
- hands-on activitiesLearning through direct manipulation
interpretation · learning objectives · family programs · accessibility · inclusive design · community partnerships · lifelong learning · virtual tours
Formal return to homeland
- patrimonyInherited estate or legacy
- sacred objectsItems of spiritual importance
- UNESCOCultural arm of UN
- colonial legacyEnduring impact of occupation
community engagement · cultural sensitivity · oral histories · traditional knowledge · decolonization · looted art · heritage tourism
cataloging
Systematic organization into records
- provenanceRecord of ownership
- acquisitionAct of obtaining something
- classificationSystematic grouping by traits
accession · deaccession · authentication · appraisal · documentation · inventory · stewardship · loan agreements · registrar · repatriation
display
Presentation for viewing
- installationProcess of putting in
- interpretationAssigned meaning
- labelingAssigning identifying markers
signage · interactive displays · multimedia · lighting design · vitrine · diorama · showcase · blockbuster · permanent collection · accessibility
preservation
Maintaining something's condition
- restorationReturning something to condition
- preventive careHealth maintenance before disease
- stabilizationProcess of becoming steady
humidity control · lighting · cleaning · storage · handling · deterioration · reversibility · patina · encapsulation · fumigation
outreach
Proactive community assistance
- workshopsGroup learning sessions
- lecturesFormal instructional talks
- guided toursTrips with an expert leader
hands-on activities · interpretation · learning objectives · family programs · accessibility · inclusive design · community partnerships · lifelong learning · virtual tours · educational materials
repatriation
Formal return to homeland
- patrimonyInherited estate or legacy
- sacred objectsItems of spiritual importance
- UNESCOCultural arm of UN
colonial legacy · community engagement · cultural sensitivity · oral histories · traditional knowledge · decolonization · looted art · heritage tourism
museologyiconoclasm
Attacking revered traditions
looting · vandalism · cultural erasure · plunder · dispersal