International Museum Day 2015 is celebrated today the 18th
day of May. The Museum Day was
established by International Council of Museums ( ICOM) in 1977 with the purpose
of enhancing interest among Public about the role of Museums in the development
of society. Over 35000 Museums of about 145
countries participated in this event in 2014. The theme of this year is ” Museums for a sustainable
society." The President of ICOM,Prof.Dr Hanz-Matin Hinz says : “ Museums must be able to
guarantee their role in safeguarding the cultural heritage, given the
increasing precariousness of ecosystems, situations of political instability,
and the associated natural and man- made challenges that may arise. “
A dictionary defines the meaning of the word museum as ‘ a building or institution dedicated to the
acquisition, conservation, study, exhibition and educational interpretation of
objects having scientific, historical, cultural or artistic value.’ The Geneva convention of ICOM held at
Austria, Vienna in 2007 defines a museum as ‘ a non-profit permanent
institution in the service of society and its development open to the public ,
which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits the tangible
and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment for the purpose of
education , study and enjoyment.’
ICOM offers training in Museum management, disaster preparedness
and response. Its international training
centre is at Palace Museum, Beijing, China.
It has got network with many museums of the world and organises a
symposium every year. It is planned as Tasmania this year. It publishes red
list of endangered objects of Heritage value and has helped to get back the
stolen objects from many countries and restored to their original places.
Having said that, we have few points to ask at this juncture
in connection with World Museum Day. While appreciating the efforts of the
International Council in raising awareness among the public, it should also be
admitted that many more preventive steps are to be taken to stop the illegal
trade of cultural and religious goods.
It may require strengthening of International Law and start
addressing the issue at the root level. How safe and secured are our ancient
places of worship is the first question. What action has been taken by the respective Governments and the International
body to stop the illicit trade by anti- social elements? Have anybody advised the media to stop giving
the international value of the stolen items? Did they tell them not to give
details such as how the theft was made and the modes operandi of the Police.
The annual symposium may even call for the participation of
representatives of the Ministry of Art & Culture from different countries
and Police force inclusive of Interpol. Thirdly, the art lovers should stop
circulating the pictures of antique items in social networks which may give
clues to the wrong doers. The arrested culprits must face more severe
punishment than now.
While the definition of a Museum reserves the right to
acquire and exhibit, many stolen items take asylum in Museums in the name of
donation. Is it ethical to smuggle an
antique item and sell it to a Museum which in turn describes it as a gift!!
Therefore it is suggested that the Museum must immediately alert the Interpol
on receiving an offer from the seller. This will stop the illicit trade to some
extent. Hence the use of the definition
helps the Museum to continue showing its antique items without realising the
affinity of people towards them. The objects stolen from places of worship should
not come under this definition. It will be great if Museums, the custodians of
Heritage take relevant steps to give back those stolen antiques to the
respective countries.
