International Council of Museums (ICOM)

Definition

The International Council of Museums (ICOM) is a global organization dedicated to the promotion and development of museums and museum professionals. Established in 1946, ICOM works to establish standards and best practices in museum operations, emphasizing the importance of ethical acquisition practices and cultural heritage preservation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ICOM has over 37,000 members from more than 140 countries, representing a diverse range of museum professionals and institutions.
2. The organization's main objectives include establishing ethical guidelines for museums, promoting international cooperation, and fostering professional development among museum workers.
3. ICOM's Code of Ethics for Museums provides a framework for ethical practices in museum acquisition, collection management, and community engagement.
4. The organization actively addresses issues related to looted art and cultural property, advocating for the restitution of artifacts taken during colonial periods.
5. ICOM organizes international conferences and workshops that facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among museum professionals worldwide.

Review Questions

• How does ICOM's Code of Ethics influence the practices surrounding museum acquisitions?
  • ICOM's Code of Ethics serves as a critical guideline for museums when it comes to acquisitions. It emphasizes transparency, accountability, and respect for cultural heritage, ensuring that museums acquire objects through ethical means. This framework helps prevent the acquisition of looted or illicitly obtained items, promoting a culture of responsibility among museum professionals.
• Evaluate the role of ICOM in addressing issues related to cultural property and restitution.
  • ICOM plays a vital role in addressing cultural property issues by providing a platform for dialogue on restitution. The organization advocates for the return of artifacts taken during colonial periods and supports the development of ethical practices concerning ownership. By fostering international cooperation among museums and governments, ICOM helps create frameworks that encourage the restitution process and promote justice for source communities.
• Analyze how ICOM contributes to global standards in museum management and ethical acquisition practices.
  • ICOM contributes to global standards in museum management through its comprehensive set of guidelines and the promotion of best practices. By setting high standards for ethical acquisition and collection management, ICOM ensures that museums worldwide operate with integrity. Its initiatives encourage collaboration among museums from different cultures, fostering mutual respect for diverse heritage while addressing contemporary challenges like looting and repatriation.

Related terms

Cultural Heritage:

The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes inherited from past generations, which museums strive to protect and showcase.

Museum Ethics: The principles that guide museum professionals in making decisions regarding collection, conservation, and community engagement.

Restitution: The process of returning cultural property to its country or community of origin, often a significant issue addressed by ICOM.