Caroline Worthington, the chief executive, Bexley Heritage Trust
“My first impression of a modern museum is that it is one that has been revamped in the past 15 years – thanks to the money that the Heritage Lottery Fund has supplied – and has got its marketing and social media act together.
More fundamentally though, it is a museum with a mission that is, and is seen to be, relevant to a wide section of its community. What’s new, for good or ill, is the fact that a modern museum is one that is going to have to stay afloat with an ever-diminishing amount of public funding.”
Bernard Donoghue, the director, Association of Leading Visitor Attractions
“The success and purpose of a modern museum is the same as for those of the past: to educate, inform and entertain. These founding principles for the BBC are a good place to start, but I would like to add a fourth: to provoke.
The modern museum should present its collection in a physically and intellectually accessible fashion, and it should celebrate the authentic object or experience in a way that the digital experience cannot emulate. It should also be savvy enough to know that it is people – staff and volunteers – who bring to life its stories, and so it should invest in its people accordingly.”
Jonathan Wallis, the head of museums, Derby Museums
“When municipal museums opened in the 19th century their purpose was to broaden horizons and inspire working people. At some point in the 20th century, many museums forgot this and became lumber- rooms of local history.
In the 21st century we would do well to reassess our original purpose and see how we can use our collections to raise aspirations, and give confidence and new experiences to our communities. We have the ability to engage people’s heads, hearts and hands, and we should not miss the opportunity to do so.”
Stephen Deuchar, the director, Art Fund
“We have seen an evolution in how museums operate, but the central role they play in society remains unchanged. A museum is an independent facility that presents material culture to visitors, enabling them to learn about, make sense of and engage with society’s past, present and future.
It may be that it is more important than ever for museums to challenge their audiences’ preconceptions. But it is still more important for audiences to emerge better equipped to challenge the orthodoxies of the moment. At their best, museums are active forces for positive change.
