ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums

Definition

The ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums is a set of professional guidelines that establish standards of practice for museum professionals globally. It aims to ensure that museums operate ethically, responsibly, and transparently, particularly in areas such as collection management, conservation, and repatriation. By promoting best practices, the code serves as a critical framework for resolving disputes and addressing repatriation claims within the museum sector.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ICOM Code of Ethics was first adopted in 1986 and has been revised multiple times to address evolving issues in the museum sector.
2. One key principle of the code is that museums must acquire collections ethically and be accountable for the provenance of their objects.
3. The code emphasizes the importance of engaging with source communities during the repatriation process to ensure respectful dialogue and resolution.
4. It also highlights the need for transparency in museum practices, especially when it comes to display, preservation, and deaccessioning of cultural objects.
5. By adhering to the ICOM Code, museums can better navigate legal and ethical dilemmas related to ownership disputes and cultural sensitivity.

Review Questions

• How does the ICOM Code of Ethics influence museum practices concerning repatriation claims?
  • The ICOM Code of Ethics provides a framework for museums to handle repatriation claims by emphasizing ethical considerations and accountability. It encourages museums to assess the provenance of their collections and engage in meaningful dialogue with source communities. This approach not only guides institutions in making informed decisions regarding ownership disputes but also fosters trust between museums and communities affected by historical injustices.
• Discuss how the principles outlined in the ICOM Code can guide museums in their responsibilities towards cultural heritage preservation.
  • The principles outlined in the ICOM Code advocate for ethical stewardship of cultural heritage, requiring museums to manage collections responsibly. This includes ensuring proper conservation techniques are employed and respecting the cultural significance of artifacts. By following these guidelines, museums can enhance their role as custodians of heritage while building positive relationships with communities from which these items originate.
• Evaluate the impact of adhering to the ICOM Code of Ethics on resolving disputes related to cultural property ownership in contemporary society.
  • Adhering to the ICOM Code of Ethics positively impacts the resolution of disputes over cultural property ownership by promoting transparency and ethical engagement. When museums follow these guidelines, they are more likely to work collaboratively with source communities and address historical grievances through open communication. This not only fosters a sense of justice but also contributes to a broader understanding of cultural sensitivity, ultimately leading to more equitable outcomes in contemporary debates surrounding cultural heritage.

Related terms

Repatriation:

The process of returning cultural property to its country of origin or rightful owners, often associated with the ethical considerations outlined in the ICOM Code.

Cultural Heritage:

The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations, which museums are responsible for preserving.

Museology: The study of museums, their role, and their function in society, which is influenced by ethical guidelines like those provided by ICOM.