Organization Of Museums Research Articles

A. V. Shemansky's contribution to the preservation of the former royal residence in Peterhof

The study is devoted to the activities of A.V. Shemansky in the museum organization established on the basis of the former Peterhof imperial residence in 1925-1937. A student of Leningrad University, who has gained experience in preserving the historical and artistic heritage in his native Tambov province, gets a job in the Management staff of the Peterhof palaces-museums. In the mid-1920s, there was an active search for new forms and contents of museums. Unsuccessful experiments led to the closure of expositions and the repurposing of former royal palaces for the needs of the young Soviet state. A.V. Shemansky joined the working group on the creation of a new type of museum exposition from the first days of his work. The study of the activities of A.V. Shemansky as deputy for scientific work made it possible to consider the policy of power in relation to the symbols of the royal system on the example of the Peterhof palace. The research methodology is based on the principles of historicism, objectivism and systematic scientific analysis. The article is based on extensive archival materials from various repositories and pre-war travel guides to Peterhof and the suburbs. The scientific activity of A.V. Shemansky has not yet become the subject of a separate study. The name of the Peterhof researcher is often found in studies of the biographies of his closest associates: N.I. Arkhipov and S.S. Geichenko. Also, the activity of our hero is noted in the works devoted to the method of thematic exposition. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the fact that, based on specific historical material, the ways of creating museum expositions in the conditions of the prevailing state ideology are shown. The study reveals the importance of the role of A.V. Shemansky in the development and popularization of Peterhof Palace museums. A. V. Shemansky was a true guardian of cultural heritage, opposing the closure of museums and the transformation of historical sites into parks of culture and recreation. In the name of the true mission of the museum business, A. V. Shemansky sacrificed himself and survived a terrible ordeal, going through the investigation and the camp.

СУЧАСНІ ПІДХОДИ ДО ПРОСТОРОВОЇ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ МУЗЕЇВ ТА ЕКСПОЗИЦІЙ ПРОСТО НЕБА. ЄВРОПЕЙСЬКИЙ ДОСВІД

There are numerous open-air museums worldwide, and public spaces often incorporate both permanent and temporary outdoor exhibitions. Based on studies conducted on open-air museums and exhibitions in Vienna and its surrounding areas, as part of the academic cooperation program TU Vienna – TU Lviv, this article explores the European approach to the architectural and spatial organization of such institutions. Through this research, contemporary approaches to their architectural and spatial organization were examined, and both positive and negative aspects were highlighted. This article aims to analyze the distinct features of the architectural and spatial organization of European open-air museums and exhibitions, identifying their positive aspects and approaches that could be implemented in Ukraine. In Ukrainian studies, the topic of modern open-air museums is only gaining popularity and is not well presented. Hence, involving local scholars in this globally expanding field would be relevant. European open-air museums, particularly in Austria, show several trends in spatial organization, including a comprehensive approach, accessibility, family-oriented infrastructure, wide implementation of interactive elements, and integration of multimedia technologies. These museums blend original artifacts with modern enhancements to provide visitors with a unique experience. Noteworthy aspects observed in open-air museums and exhibitions, which are scarce or absent in Ukraine, include combining several neighboring objects into one museum complex, a large number of children's playgrounds, ample recreation and food areas, inclusiveness, infrastructure for dog walking, provision of venues for holding mass events, and onsite production and sale of themed merchandise in souvenir shops. The principles of spatial and architectural organization in open-air museums and exhibitions in Vienna and its vicinity boast several positive features that we believe are pertinent for implementation in Ukraine. Notably, interactivity to engage visitors and inclusivity, which is poised to be a pressing issue during Ukraine's post-war reconstruction, stand out as crucial aspects. The findings from this study can serve as a foundation for enhancing existing or designing new open-air museums in Ukraine.

Digital Catalogue of Encolpion Crosses from the Collection of V. V. Tarnovskyi

Today, preserving Ukraine’s cultural heritage is an integral task for museum organisations and research institutions. Digitising museum collections has become an important and timely task for museum’s employees. The creation of 3D-models of one of the collections of crosses-encolpions of the 10th—13th centuries which is stored in the repository of the Chernihiv Historical Museum named after V. V. Tarnovskyi was no exception. It took place in 2023 with the support of the Deutsches Archäologisches Institut (DAI). The aim of the project was to create a publicly available digital catalogue of the collection, which is posted on the website of the mentioned Museum named after V. V. Tanrnovskyi and on the sketchfaom/horm (fig.1). 53 encolpion crosses were in the archaeological part of the collection of V. V. Tarnovskyi at the end of the 19th century. Today only 21 encolpions from this collection are preserved in the Museum. Almost all reliquary crosses from the collection are dated to the period of Kyivan Rus, and only one item was an import from the Byzantine provinces. Various types of encolpions are represented: crosses with relief images (the most numerous), with blackened images and relief-blackened encolpion crosses. A rare type of reliquary crosses includes an encolpion back leaf with a relief image of John the Baptist with an accompanying inscription. Three-dimensional modeling and corresponding photogrammetric recording is quite widely used to digitise the smallest moving artefacts. Models are used for advanced recording and digital preservation of data, visualisation of research results, additional metrological studies, computer reconstructions, etc. Method of photogrammetric surveying was used during the creation of a digital catalogue of 3D-models of encolpion crosses. The result of the project is the creation of a multimedia visualised digital catalogue of the collection of encolpion crosses in free access on the global network, which presents a moving 3D-model of each arteifact and the main descriptive information. This will ensure the preservation of arteifacts in the digital dimension, their use in the Museum’s inteactive exhibitions, the creation of an accurate material copy of the arteifact, and allow remote analysis of materials by scientists for consultations, familiariszation wit artefacts, scintific analysis and writing of scientific articles.

An Analysis of Visitors’ Etiquette Pattern in Muzium Negeri Kedah, Alor Setar, Malaysia

Museums are vital organizations that teach individuals about culture and history. In most museums, some elements enhance visitors’ anticipation of enjoying the exhibits and collections beyond the layout and other factors. However, some visitors or museum enthusiasts may have been distracted by other challenges, such as time constraints that limit their ability to view the entire exhibition areas within the museums. Unless the museum’s layout allows sufficient viewing time for each display, visitors lack adequate time to explore all the exhibits. The museum’s organization must ensure an improved layout, including walking patterns, to facilitate visitor navigation. To satisfy visitors’ desires, museum organizations must enhance the experience to influence their perceptions of the museum positively. The Muzium Negeri Kedah (Kedah State Museum) has initiated this research to tackle this issue. This research has two primary objectives: to examine visitors’ behavioral patterns and to propose a new museum layout to enhance visitor flow. This research utilizes primary methodologies, specifically a questionnaire survey and observation in the Kedah State Museum. Museums require adequate maintenance for both items and facilities. Based on the findings, it is recommended that a visitor plan for the Kedah State Museum must be developed. The researcher anticipates that the museum will implement changes in the future to enhance its appeal and satisfy visitors’ desire to go. This research is conducted with the expectation that more museums will enhance their roles in providing innovative methods of communication and education for society. This will consequently assist younger generations in acquiring greater knowledge, facts, and information. Ultimately, this will motivate society to acquire knowledge and value and develop methods for the preservation of objects primarily associated with histories and cultures.

Функции советского персонального пенсионного обеспечения в довоенный период (1923-1941 гг.)

Introduction. Pension provision is multifunctional. Currently, scientists are actively exploring the functionality of pension provision, however, the original functions of the Soviet personal pension provision remained outside the field of their interests. Purpose. The author aims to determine the specific (original) functions characteristic of personal pension provision in the pre-war period (1923-1941) being based on the analysis of legislative acts regulating the establishment of personal pension provision and personal files of personal pensioners of republican significance. Methodology. In his research, the author was guided by the principles of consistency, historicism and scientific objectivity, as well as the method of interpretation of legal norms and the technical and legal method. Results. In addition to the functions common to all types of pension provision, five specific functions of personal pensions have been identified: granting immunity from national legislative restrictions; reimbursement of royalties to the heirs of outstanding figures of culture and art; partial compensation to descendants and relatives of the value of valuables transferred by them to the state (archives, collections, personal belongings) and real estate (houses, apartments, estates) previously owned by prominent figures of culture, science, art and the revolutionary movement; payment provided to specialists for exclusive skills, knowledge transferred to the state or for services rendered; solutions to complex issues pension provision within the pension system. Conclusion. The original functions of personal pension provision allowed the Soviet state to solve numerous tasks related to the organization of museums of Russian classics, attracting highly qualified specialists to its side, providing material support to honored citizens who formally have no rights to pensions for professional activities.

Research on the production, application and management of virtual reality in the National Palace Museum

PurposeVirtual reality (VR) can be used as an alternative mean for viewing collections at home when it is not possible to visit museums due to COVID-19. This study took the development process of VR at Taiwan's National Palace Museum (NPM) as a case to discuss the characteristics of VR developed there in different periods and how NPM transforms the contents of its collections into VR.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a case study to analyze the development process of VR at NPM from 2014 to 2019 and summarized the characteristics of the development and application of VR.Findings The authors find that the history of VR application in NPM is a process from exploring the technology to gradually getting familiar with the potential of its application. Its development can be divided into the exploration and experiment stage from 2014 to 2015, the single collection interpretation stage in 2016 and the multipurpose application stage from 2017 to 2019. It is suggested that museums should adopt a long-term strategy to introduce VR, make plans carefully and pay attention to the limitations of VR application.Research limitations/implications The results of this study are suitable for art and history museums.Originality/value Many research studies on the application of VR in museums mostly focused on the benefits and technologies of adopting VR in museums as well as specific museum VR projects. There is still scant literature on the development process of museum VR from the perspective of museum organizations.

PROSPECTS FOR COOPERATION BETWEEN GEOLOGICAL MUSEUMS OF UKRAINE AND SPAIN

The publication actualizes issues related to the prospects for geological science development and ways of cooperation between Ukraine and Spain. As part of the bilateral cooperation between these countries, at the end of February 2023, a meeting of geologists was held in Barcelona at one of the leading research institutes in Spain. The main issues discussed were the popularization of geology and the geological museum’s development. The first part of the article contains an overview of the peculiarities of the tectonic structure, stratigraphy, rock complexes, and unique reference sections within Ukraine, which are of world scientific importance. The second part is devoted to the characteristics of the Ukrainian museums of Earth sciences, the problems of modern scientific research, the geological monuments preservation, and strengthening the role of geological museums in popularizing knowledge about the Earth. As a result, joint projects within the framework of international cooperation between Ukraine and Spain are proposed. Cooperation will occur at the level of individual Institutes of Earth Sciences and Natural History Museums, as they store primary geological information. For the accumulation of geological information, its preservation and presentation, it is necessary to unite museums into a single museum space and international museum organizations. To create a general complex multi-level museum database. In addition, cooperation can be manifested in joint expeditions in which factual material can be obtained for further analytical research; in the organization and conduct of joint research, conferences, and educational seminars; in publishing joint scientific works, etc. Such events will contribute to exchanging information/specimens and improving external communication for further developing the museum business, educational and scientific activities in the geological field.

Visitor Behavior in Museums in Times of (COVID)-19

This research aims to better understand the circumstances of museums in times of COVID-19 and investigate the reopening of museums as physical spaces for visitors??? experience. The influence of visitors??? sociodemographic and tripographic characteristics on visitor behavior, safety measures implemented by museums, and visitation experience were examined in two major art museums in Catalonia (Spain): the Dal??-Theatre Museum and the Picasso Museum. Participants (879) were selected following systematic random sampling at the museum exit gates. A quantitative analysis of the data was performed using Pearson and ANOVA and the participants??? profiles are presented. Findings indicate significant relationships between visitors??? characteristics and visitor behavior, safety measures, and visitation experience, with place of residence showing a positive influence on all three. Museums complied with specific safety regulations due to COVID-19, and in this context, the findings revealed that visitors slightly changed their visitor behavior in museums. Most visitors positively evaluated the key aspects of museum management relating to health and safety and social distancing. Age, nationality, and personal experience were found to influence visitor behavior in museums. Specific effects of each characteristic are further analyzed. Theoretical and practical implications and suggestions for future research studies are also discussed. Marketing activities will benefit from knowing, in detail, the visitors??? characteristics–information that can be used to target niches. Finally, the cultural industry has a social function and supporting the digitalization of museum organizations is crucial to the dissemination of culture.

Dimitrie Dan's life path

The article is dedicated to Dimitrii Dan (1856–1927), a well-known Bucovina priest, historian, ethnographer, folklorist, paleographer, collector of ancient historical documents and museum organizer, corresponding member of the Romanian Academy of Sciences. The purpose of scientific research is to study the life path of D. Dan on the basis of available historical sources. Such a study is relevant, since a full biography of the academician is not available in the Ukrainian scientific circulation. Its coverage in the most detailed form represents a scientific novelty. The method of the papper based on the study of archival documents, books and articles of D. Dan, memoir literature, periodicals and correspondence. Conclusions. Dimitrii Dan's life path is a synthesis of love for family and friends, for God and research. Great diligence, inquisitiveness and fruitfulness are characteristic of this path. How priest D. Dan took care of church affairs, explained the theological questions needed by clergymen, gave examples from the past of exploits of authoritative representatives of the clergy. As an ethnographer, he familiarized the reader with ethnogenesis, settlement, culture and daily life, inter-ethnic relations of ethnic groups of Bukovyna: Ruthenians (Ukrainians), Armenians, Jews, Lipovans, Gypsies. Folklore publications of Bukovyna and beyond eagerly awaited his collected songs, beliefs, proverbs, poems, legends, etc. His historical works, devoted to villages, monasteries, churches, personalities, were based on a various source base consisting of authentic historical documents, excellent knowledge of archeography and paleography. With his characteristic enthusiasm, he engaged in the protection of monuments and the organization of museums. D. Dan was always a patriot of his people, he cared about the development of the Romanian language, culture and history. As a member of the National Council, he took part in the General Unification Congress of Bukovyna, which took place in 1918 in Chernivtsi. His fruitful activity was noted by the church leadership, the community, the governments of Austria-Hungary and Romania. For his scientific activity, D. Dan received the title of corresponding member of the Romanian Academy of Sciences. Streets in Radivtsi and Suceava were named in his honor. Today, his work has again gained relevance in the scientific circles of Romania and Ukraine

Некоторые сведения о военно-политической и административной деятельности генерала И.Д. Попко на Кавказе (1847–1878)

The historian, bibliophile, writer and enlightener, lieutenant general of the Kuban Cossack army, I.D. Popko’s main professional occupation was not archival research and writing historical works, nor the organization of libraries and museums, but the military - political and administrative de-tails that occurred in the North Caucasus and partially in Transcaucasia. It was professional activi-ty that enabled I.D. Popko with financial freedom, allowing him to engage in all the above cases, which was another undeniable ability of the Caucasian Cossack chronicler. The article attempts to explore the life and activity of I.D. Popko through the prism of his professional activity, which lasted over three decades. The material for the article was the official correspondence of the gen-eral and his personal documents (letters).

Openness, Innovation, and Sustainability in Museum Organizations

Over the last few decades, social, economic, and technological changes have gradually contributed to modifying the core concept of museum organizations, towards their active involvement in the process of social innovation and territory growth, in accordance with the instances of sustainability. This study investigates how strategic innovation, based on the implementation of an open and sustainable museum model, as a driver of social and civic innovation, can enhance the development of the reference community. To this end, after analyzing the concept of sustainability-oriented innovation in the perspective of openness and shared value, the research investigates the role of sustainability and its specific declinations in museum management, focusing the attention on the experience of the Italian museums in the light of a substantial revision of organization due to a reform in 2014. The theoretical framework is then applied to a case study, the National Archaeological Museum of Taranto “MArTA”, in order to verify the nature and impacts of changes in the museums that take a sustainability-oriented path through strategic and technological innovation. The study provides evidence of the joint and interdependent role of openness, innovation, and sustainability as key drivers in the museums with particular reference to practices adopted to encourage stakeholders’ engagement and to contribute to social, economic, and cultural development.

Exploring the Evidence-Based Driving Factors of Innovation in Arts and Cultural Organizations

Innovation in arts and cultural sectors is an emerging study. Exploring and identifying driving factors of innovation by arts and cultural organizations can help to understand the implications for innovation management and thus, strengthening the competitiveness of arts and cultural sectors. But the existing literature on this topic usually is subject to some limitations due to the shortage of empirical evidence and overemphasis on technological innovation. To overcome it, this article explored evidence-based determinants of innovation in museums organizations, based on survey data and statistical approach; furthermore, it also extended the scope of innovation from technological to cultural and organizational dimensions. Our findings provide empirical evidence for existing theoretical propositions—some propositions are supported and the others are not. Based on these conclusions, some implications are developed for innovation management in museum organizations.

The relationship between Slovak museums and heritage authorities in the 19th and early 20th centuries

Slovak museums began to form mainly in the 2nd half of the 19th century and their development was only marginally connected with the development of heritage protection in the Kingdom of Hungary. With the establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic, the relationship between heritage authorities and museums was to change fundamentally. The basic prerequisites for this were created by the founding of the Government Commissariat for the Preservation of Monuments, or its successor, the State Office for Heritage Protection, which encompassed the organisation of museums in Slovakia. The contribution aims to point out the relationships between heritage authorities and museums in Slovakia, mainly in the 2nd half of the 19th and 1st half of the 20th century.

Organization of museums of western Ukraine after the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation

During the war Russian troops are carrying out a targeted and systematic destruction of cultural and religious monuments of Ukraine with the help of various types of weapons and aviation. UNESCO World Heritage sites in Ukraine are under threat of destruction. In the course of modern war, the entire territory of Ukraine is in danger. At the same time, the western Ukrainian regions are considered to be a relatively safe territory. The population from the front-line areas, museum collections are evacuated here. One of the first initiatives to save Ukrainian museums was the Museum Crisis Center, the Heritage Emergency Response Initiative and the Western Ukrainian Union of Museums is based on substantial international assistance. Foremost due to international support, it was possible to receive grants for generators, power banks, as well as the purchase of personal protective equipment for museum workers in case of chemical and nuclear attacks. The activity of Western Ukraine museums was focused on two main directions. Firstly, on financial assistance to colleagues and organizing the evacuation of museum collections from the zone of hostilities or occupation. And secondly, on the preservation of museum valuables in the museums of Western Ukraine by digitizing them and filling the museum funds with the necessary amount of packaging materials. On the other hand, as it follows from the short field study of the master’s degree students, there were only minor fears or worries about possible military actions of the Russian Federation in the museum environment. At the same time there were no government instructions, explanations or warnings about the preparation for the possible evacuation of museum valuables or their more reliable storage. Unfortunately, letters from the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine belatedly responded to the current situation after February 2022 having left the main initiative to non-governmental unions and organizations. In the museum environment after the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation only personal initiatives were the most efficient in forming support and assistance for museum workers.

UDMURT CORRESPONDENTS OF ARCHAEOLOGIST O.N. BADER

The article is devoted to a little-studied period in the history of archaeological research on the territory of Udmurtia in the post-war years, as reflected in letters addressed to the famous archaeologist Otto Nikolayevich Bader. O. N. Bader worked at the Perm (Molotov) University from the second half of the 1940s until 1954, he formed a scientific archaeological school. Together with his students, he engaged in the archaeological study of the vast Ural-Volga region, including the territory of Udmurtia. O. N. Bader maintained contacts with many scientific, educational and museum organizations. The article publishes letters addressed to the scientist from the director of the Udmurt Institute of History, Language and Literature under the Government of the Udmurt ASSR (UdNII) I.F. Kutyavin, the director of the Republican Museum of Local Lore M.N. Sutyagin and researcher of the UdNII A.F. Trefilov. They allow us to see the direction and content of archaeological research, participation of the UdNII and the Republican Museum of Local Lore in them. The letters reflect the formation process of archaeological personnel for Udmurtia, in particular, the beginning of the scientific biography of the famous Soviet archaeologist V.F. Gening. The letters reflect the process of work on the two-volume edition "Essays on the history of the Udmurt ASSR" in terms of writing sections on ancient and medieval history. They reveal the daily life of the researchers in the post-war years. The letters are part of a significant epistolary heritage - letters addressed to O.N. Bader in Perm in the 1940s-1950s. They are kept in the Museum of History of the Perm State Research University and are given to the author for study.

Regulatory and legal framework for the organization of military-historical museums (rooms of combat traditions) in the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The article deals with the analysis of Regulatory and legal framework for the organization of military history museums (rooms of combat traditions) in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It was established that the activity of military-historical museums is based on the laws of Ukraine, which regulate the activities of the museum business in general, normative legal acts of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, as well as the Ministry of Defense. The basic normative legal act in the field of operation of military-historical museums in Ukraine is the Law of Ukraine "On Museums and Museum Matters", though the initial version of this Law did not provide for military-historical museums as a separate type. It is recorded only in 2009.
 The 2019 Order of the Minister of Defense of Ukraine approving the Instruction on the organization of the activities of military museums, museums (rooms) of military traditions in the Armed Forces of Ukraine is a sectoral regulatory act in the field of operation of military-historical museums. It is noted that the approved Instruction eliminates certain unsettled aspects of the issue; however, it is not devoid of certain shortcomings.
 The structure and peculiarities of military museums in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, their functions and tasks have been analyzed. In particular, attention was paid to the functioning of the National Military Historical Museum of Ukraine as the main one in the system of museums of the Armed Forces.
 Since, as stipulated in the Instruction, the normalization of museum activity is carried out by a statute or regulation approved by an order of the Ministry of Defense, it is claimed that there is a Regulation on the Central Museum of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (in 2010 it was renamed the National Military Historical Museum of Ukraine), approved by the Order of the Minister of Defense of Ukraine in 1996, which is typical for similar founding documents of other museum institutions of the system.

ХХ ҒАСЫРДЫҢ БАСЫНДАҒЫ ҚОҒАМДЫҚ ҚОРЛАРДЫҢ МҰРАЖАЙ ІСІН ҰЙЫМДАСТЫРУ БАҒЫТЫ

The article examines the social aspects of the formation and cultural and educational activities of museums of Kazakhstan at the beginning of the twentieth century on the basis of archival materials. Socio-economic and political changes that took place in the 20s of the Soviet period had a significant impact on the culture and education of Kazakhstan, the elimination of illiteracy, there was a need to develop cultural and educational direction. A special Central Asian Committee for Museums and the Protection of Ancient Monuments has been established for the republics of Central Asia and Kazakhstan, and a society of local historians has been organized in the republic. The article describes how the research society of Kazakhstan has established the organization of libraries, museums and archival affairs, has made every effort to make them a place for the promotion of knowledge and culture among the population.

ХХ ҒАСЫРДЫҢ БАСЫНДАҒЫ ҚОҒАМДЫҚ ҰЙЫМДАРМЕНҰЛТЗИЯЛЫЛАРЫНЫҢМУЗЕЙ ІСІН ҰЙЫМДАСТЫРУДАҒЫҚЫЗМЕТІ

Based on archival sources, the article examines the formation of museums in Kazakhstan at the beginning of the 20th century, the social aspects of their cultural and educational activities, the role of the national intelligentsia in the design of museum work. Socio-economic and political changes that took place in the 1920s of the Soviet period had a significant impact on the culture and education of Kazakhstan, the elimination of illiteracy, there was a need to develop cultural and educational direction. Aspecial Central Asian Committee for Museums and the Protection of Ancient Monuments has been established for the republics of Central Asia and Kazakhstan, and a society of local historians has been organized in the republic.The article describes how the research society of Kazakhstan has established the organization of libraries, museums and archival affairs, has made every effort to make them a place for the promotion of knowledge and culture among the population.

The Economic Impact of Universal Design on Cultural Heritage Contribution to SDGs: Evidence from Italian Museums.

United Nations' Agenda 2030 highlights the need to "make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable" (SDG 11) and reduce inequalities (SDG 10) for the good health and well-being (SDG 3) of the citizens. Although most Italian museums have been forced to comply with the rules for accessibility in public spaces since 1971 following Law 30/3/1971 n. 118 and, more recently, Legislative Decree 81/2008, in this context, Universal Design can contribute to the achievement of these goals by improving accessibility to spaces, services, and the community's well-being on the one hand, along with providing a deeper comprehension and awareness of the informational processes on the other hand. In this regard, museum organizations play a critical role in enhancing the quality of life and society's education by preserving and distributing cultural heritage over time. Despite the large number of studies focused on museum organizations, there is little research that takes into account Universal Design and its macro-and firm-level economic benefits on museum institutions (not-for-profit, public, and private). Considering this research gap, this study's aim is twofold: 1) to explore how some Italian museums have actually improved their facilities and services according to Universal Design principles and 2) to assess the economic museum accessibility. A qualitative methodology was applied using a questionnaire delivered to eight Italian museum, and collected data was compared. The findings underline how museums' investments in Universal Design may produce relevant economic benefits, both on the macroeconomic and firm levels, providing guidelines for public policies concerning welfare, transport, environment, education, and well-being. Universal Design principles can lead museums to an increasing convergence toward Sustainable Development Goals, improving their overall economic performance as well as strengthening their role in a more aware and participative society. This study has several relevant implications in terms of both policy and management. Policymakers should promote Universal Design investments in museums in order to ensure accessibility to a greater number of visitors, and cultural institutions should consider accessibility as a specific key management dimension to be monitored and improved.

The ICOM International museum definition from the perspective of the Czech Republic : results of a questionnaire survey among representatives of the museum community and other related disciplines

The significant interest of the Czech (or Czechoslovak) museum sphere in the form and continuous revision of the existing international museum definition was already evident during Jan Jelínek's tenure at the head of ICOM in the 1970s. The effort to get involved in international debates resonates with Czech museum workers, museologists, academics and students even now, especially in connection with the planned revision of the key concept at the Prague meeting of this most important professional museum organization. The attitudes towards the existing and the optimal form of the museum definition were also examined within a local Czech questionnaire survey, which was carried out by Brno museologists in the first half of 2021 in cooperation with the Czech Committee of ICOM and the Czech Association of Museums and Galleries. The paper presents the main outcomes of the research, including the key terms that the museum definition should contain according to representatives of (not only) the museum community.