Museu

Museu is the Portuguese word for museum, an institution dedicated to the collection, preservation, study, and display of items of cultural, artistic, scientific, or historical value. The word derives from the Latin museum, itself from the Greek mousion, and reflects the long tradition of organized knowledge and public access to cultural heritage.

Museus collect and conserve objects, artworks, specimens, and records. They conduct research, organize temporary and permanent exhibitions, publish findings, and provide education programs for schools and the public. Many museums engage in digitization projects, online catalogs, and virtual tours to broaden access beyond their physical sites.

Types include art, history, science, natural history, ethnographic, archaeological, and specialized institutions such as science centers or children’s museums. Museums operate under various governance structures, from government-run national institutions to private foundations and nonprofit organizations, often supported by tickets, memberships, philanthropy, and public funding.

Ethical considerations guide curatorial work, including provenance research, repatriation of cultural patrimony, conservation standards, accessibility for people with disabilities, and inclusion of diverse voices in interpretation.

International networks, such as the International Council of Museums (ICOM), promote professional standards and collaboration. In the digital era, museums increasingly offer online collections, virtual exhibits, and educational resources to reach a global audience.