Hubert Gamba’s Post

How do you see museums fulfilling their role as educational, cultural, and preservation institutions in your community? How does fulfilling this role foster trust from your community? Public trust is fundamental to the mission of museums. Museums preserve natural and cultural resources for public benefit, ensuring that collections are accessible for study, enjoyment, and learning. According to the American Alliance of Museums Code of Ethics, museums in the United States are grounded in the tradition of public service, holding their collections and information as a benefit for those they serve. Museums must uphold the highest levels of accountability and transparency to maintain this trust. Key standards include responsible stewardship of resources, identifying and serving community needs, inclusivity, educational commitment, and compliance with legal standards. This is a high bar to clear and an important pillar in our local, state, national, and international communities. When we approach exhibits, we keep this tenant in mind and design in a way that benefits and best serves the interests of every visitor, whose collective trust is critical to the mission and future of museums. 📷 "This is Richmond, Virginia" at The Valentine #exhibitdesign #exhibitiondesign #exhibitdesigners #exhibitiondesigners #trustinmuseums #Americanmuseums #museums #communityresource 

Rediscovering Heritage: Why Museums Still Matter in Today's Digital Age" 🌟 In an era defined by screens and virtual experiences, the allure of museums may seem to dim in the eyes of today's generation. Yet, beneath the surface lies a treasure trove of invaluable experiences waiting to be unearthed. Museums are not just repositories of artifacts and antiquities; they are living, breathing narratives that connect us to our past, illuminate our present, and inspire our future. In a world inundated with information, museums offer a sanctuary of contemplation—a space where we can pause, reflect, and immerse ourselves in the stories of civilizations long gone. By stepping through the doors of a museum, we embark on a journey of discovery—a journey that transcends time and space, inviting us to explore the wonders of the world and the depths of the human spirit. In today's fast-paced world, where instant gratification reigns supreme, museums offer a reprieve—a chance to slow down, engage our senses, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of our shared heritage. So, let us not overlook the profound value of museums in our digital age. Let us embrace the opportunity to wander through halls of wonder, to marvel at the masterpieces of art and science, and to reconnect with the stories that shape who we are. #RediscoverHeritage #MuseumMagic #culturalexploration

Museums are often seen as places to explore history and culture, but we sometimes overlook one of their most important roles: collecting. 🏛️ The work of collecting goes far beyond displaying artifacts. It’s about preserving pieces of the past for future generations, ensuring that stories, knowledge, and culture don’t get lost over time. Whether it’s ancient artifacts, contemporary art, or even everyday objects, these collections help us build a bridge between the past, present, and future. Behind every exhibit is a team of dedicated professionals who carefully curate, research, and safeguard these items. Their work is essential to ensuring that what we see in museums isn’t just a snapshot, but a well-researched, contextualized piece of history. When museums collect, they’re not just gathering objects — they’re creating an archive of humanity's story. As we continue to evolve, these collections help us reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re going. So next time you visit a museum, remember that the work happening behind the scenes is just as important as the exhibits on display. 🙌 #MuseumWork #CulturalHeritage #Preservation #CuratingTheFuture #eminspost

What is a museum, really? 🤔 The ICOM says it’s a “permanent institution in the service of society… fostering diversity and sustainability… accessible, inclusive, and participatory.” The Museums Association says it’s a place for “Inspiration, learning, and enjoyment… holding collections in trust for society.” A recent 5-star reviewer of the Natural History Museum said it’s “a fascinating and awe-inspiring place…the perfect spot for both a fun and education experience”. After reading so much about museums, it’s got me curious… And now I’m asking LOADS of questions about it: Is there a limit to the size of a museum? (Could I create a “museum” in a shoebox? Could a city itself be classed as a museum?) Where does a museum’s “status” start and stop? What if a digital museum is down for maintenance—does it stop being a museum for that time? And where do the boundaries lie between a museum and an archive? (Hoping someone in my network can help with this one!) And then there's the old-school vs. new-school approach to museums—do we prioritise preservation or the public experience? How does that affect the definition of a museum? I’d love to hear what you think! 🏛️ #MuseumDebate #Museums #Heritage #Curator

On equity and value for money: are we expecting those with additional needs (and, likely, expenses) to pay the same as those without, who do not have the same fatigue issues. Are things like paying once for repeat visits helpful?

A leaf from a journey's diary - Rethinking museums We understand museums as having a determinate form and recognise them as containers with contents inside. For the historic European museum this is even more so the case. Can’t it be different and, if we can change it, how might it look? The splendidly beautiful porcelain works of Chinese artist Lei Xue would be a good analogy to explain possible or likely futures for the historic European museum. Lei Xue has created a contemporary blend of tradition and modern consumption aesthetics by combining traditional Chinese porcellain techniques with soda-can forms. As tradition is grafted onto everyday consumption objects so can our understanding of the past be shaped by contemporary values. As traditional craftsmanship and materials are shaped into objects inspired by throw-aways from every day life so can the historic European museum reinvent intself in the contemporary. Let’s not forget that museums need artists not just to present them to their publics but to help them reinvent themselves. #innovatingthepast #historicmaterials #contemporarynarratives

What colors are you drawn to? 🎨 How do they make you feel? 😉 What stories do they hold? ✅ Colour and sound has the power to HEAL... but did you know about “healing frequency"? I didn't! Healing frequency is an enveloping interplay between color and sound that will transport you through a calming exploration of your own consciousness! 🤩 Museum of the Modern Art:

What colors are you drawn to? 🎨 How do they make you feel? 😉 What stories do they hold? ✅ Colour and sound has the power to HEAL... but did you know about “healing frequency"? I didn't! Healing frequency is an enveloping interplay between color and sound that will transport you through a calming exploration of your own consciousness! 🤩 Museum of the Modern Art:

Museums and galleries are magical portals to history, culture, and imagination. But as we bring these experiences online, are we including everyone? We still have a long way to go with accessibility for Blind visitors. Did you know that 64% of museum homepages have missing alt text and 88% of museum social media accounts rely on basic AI-generated descriptions? Missing these steps in workflows hinders inclusive access to our rich history and art. Check out my most recent article on Robert Weisberg's Museum Human to learn about the best next steps museums can take to build a legacy of accessible media for Blind patrons, from conducting audits to securing executive support and hiring expert consultants. We have everything we need to make museums the inclusive and welcoming spaces they were always meant to be. Let's build a digital legacy of inclusive access and break down barriers to history, art, and culture once and for all. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ggCaZxn4 #DigitalAccessibility #MuseumAccess #InclusiveDesign #AltText #Scribely #CulturalHeritage

A New Era for Museums? Is it? The British Museum's new director, Nicholas Cullinan, has announced the most ambitious transformation of any museum in the world. After a series of security controversies and criticism over funding sources, this $1.3 billion overhaul aims to digitize the museum's entire collection and renovate its vast galleries. But beyond the headlines, this change reflects a broader conversation in the museum world. How can institutions like the British Museum not only protect their collections but also respect the histories and civilizations they represent? As museums become more tech-savvy, they must also face the ethical questions surrounding their collections. Is it going to be done? What are your thoughts on the future of museums? Are we heading toward a more responsible and inclusive museum experience? Let’s discuss! For more: Chronic Art Blog at ssa-Art.com 📸BritishMuseum #Museums #CulturalHeritage #ArtHistory #Digitization #BritishMuseum #Leadership #restitution #respect