Are museums ethical?
AAM's Code of Ethics for Museums reminds us that “Legal standards are a minimum. Museums and those responsible for them must do more than avoid legal liability; they must take affirmative steps to maintain their integrity so as to warrant public confidence. They must act not only legally but also ethically.”
Furthermore, a number of current ethical issues are also interconnected to the museums commitment to serving people, both present and future generations. This brings issues such as participation, transparency, accountability, and social responsibility, among other values, to the forefront.
It is important for museums to not only have a code of ethics but to foster a culture of ethical practice and behavior. Acting ethically is different from acting lawfully. Laws usually reflect ethical standards that most citizens accept.
The Museum is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct in our activities. Ethics are an essential part of decision-making and of ensuring proper and transparent administration of the Museum.
The ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums (revised 2004 and currently being updated) included human remains preserved in museums in a special category called “culturally sensitive materials” (54). Their collection is justified only if these materials can be placed in a safe place and treated with respect.
Moreover, the subject matter of art cannot be considered “ethical” or “moral” any more than the object itself. All manner of abhorrent human behaviors are represented in artwork. That doesn't make the work, or even the artist, unethical for tackling such subjects.
Unethical behavior can be defined as actions that are against social norms or acts that are considered unacceptable to the public. Ethical behavior is the complete opposite of unethical behavior. Ethical behavior follows the majority of social norms and such actions are acceptable to the public.
Some experts think mummies belong in museums to allow future generations to learn from them. Lacovara and other experts say that as long as mummies are treated respectfully and taken care of properly, there's no reason to remove them from museums.
A code of ethics is a set of principles and rules used by individuals and organizations to govern their decision-making process, as well as to distinguish right from wrong. They provide a general idea of the ethical standards of a business or organization.
Ethics in Museum Exhibitions
Decisions about what to include and what to exclude, what is valued and what is not, who is ascribing value, the means of presentation, space, design, language, and so on, are critical as they all lead to presentational styles which influence the public's perception in many ways.
How are museums sustainable?
Reducing its consumption as much as possible. Implementing recycling and reusing measures of materials. Implementing environmental management systems. Being a space for sustainable cultural production, exhibiting the work of artists who are aware of the impact their work generates at a social and environmental level.
Museums are Filled with Dead Animals. How Are They So Lifelike?
The Natural History Museum which is next door to the V&A and the Science Museum certainly has no air conditioning outside of one small part and is unbearably hot right now. 4.
It is based on the concept that human remains have a unique status, are often of high research value, and should be treated with dignity and respect. Museums holding human remains should apply the highest standards of collections management, transparency, accountability, and communication to their care.
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Museum of Death.
| Hollywood Branch of Museum of Death | |
|---|---|
| Wikimedia | © OpenStreetMap | |
| Coordinates | 34.1018°N 118.3212°W |
| Founder | J. D. Healy (a.k.a. James Dean Healy) Catherine Shultz |
In some cases, human remains found in museum collections and exhibitions are the result of theft, exhumation, or looting of graves; commonly the graves of indigenous people or people from former colonial territories (for more information, check out this article).
Art and culture constitute fundamental dimensions of human life, and they are shot through with ethical complications. Taking art seriously requires taking ethics seriously; not just through potted codes of conduct, but sustained and critical research.
Ethics in Museum Exhibitions
Decisions about what to include and what to exclude, what is valued and what is not, who is ascribing value, the means of presentation, space, design, language, and so on, are critical as they all lead to presentational styles which influence the public's perception in many ways.
The ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums is a reference text setting standards for the practice of museum professionals. The ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums sets minimum professional standards and encourages the recognition of values shared by the international museum community.
A code of ethics is a set of principles and rules used by individuals and organizations to govern their decision-making process, as well as to distinguish right from wrong. They provide a general idea of the ethical standards of a business or organization.
