noun
museum
myoo-ZEE-um/mjuˈziːəm/
An institution that collects, preserves, and displays objects of cultural or scientific interest.
The museum displays a dinosaur skeleton, an ancient vessel, and a painting.
Etymology
A mouseion was originally a shrine of the Muses, protectors of the arts, and came to mean a place of study. The modern museum continues that scholarly role through collections and displays.
In context
overshadowed by societal changes or historical disruptions. Today the antitherra mechanism is carefully preserved in Athens at the National Archaeological Museum where it remains a highlight of their extensive collection.
More examples
- Our class visits the science museum to see dinosaur skeletons.
- The artist donates three paintings to the museum.
- Many museums keep fragile objects away from direct sunlight.
Forms
museum · museums
Similar words
- gallery
- Primarily displays art, often for sale rather than permanent preservation.
- archive
- Preserves historical records, usually for research rather than public exhibition.