What is a museum?

What is a museum and what to expect when creating Magnificent House and Heritage Spaces

The term "museum" is not legally restricted in a way that prevents from using it for creative portfolios like for art, photo and design showcasing. However, there are established definitions and expectations associated with what constitutes a museum, particularly from professional organizations like the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and legal definitions in various jurisdictions.

Definitions and Expectations

According to ICOM, a museum is defined as a not-for-profit, permanent institution that serves society by researching, collecting, conserving, interpreting, and exhibiting tangible and intangible heritage. It is open to the public and operates ethically and professionally with community participation. Similarly, U.S. legal definitions describe a museum as a public, tribal, or private nonprofit institution organized for educational, cultural heritage, or aesthetic purposes, which exhibits objects to the public regularly.

General Understanding

Museums are typically understood as institutions dedicated to the display and preservation of culturally or scientifically significant objects. They often focus on education, enjoyment, reflection, and knowledge sharing.

Code of Conduct

Using "Museum" for Personal or Business Projects

While there is no universal legal restriction on using the word "museum" for creative projects like an art, photo or design portfolio, doing so might create certain expectations regarding the nature and purpose of your project. If you choose to call your portfolio a "museum," it is important to consider:

Public Perception: The term will imply that your portfolio includes curated collections with educational or cultural significance. Make sure your creations live up to the quality standards that would normally be expected. Be mindful that this platform is established to promote historical styles and cultural heritage and serves to create a community for like-minded users who choose the platform as niched place to learn, discover, share and interact.

Ethical Considerations: Ensure that using the term does not mislead people into thinking your project has the same attributes or functions as a traditional museum.

Trademark Issues: If you plan to commercialize or brand your project under this name, check for any existing trademarks that might conflict with your project/Space name.

In summary, while you can use the term "museum" for your art, photo and design portfolio, it's advisable to be mindful of the implications and ensure clarity in how you present your project to avoid any misunderstanding or legal issues.

On the platform, the generic name used for user created portfolios is Spaces, although the concept is explained to be similar to museums to let visitors know what they can find and expect on the platform. Spaces consist of two main types; Magnificent House Spaces and Magnificent Heritage Spaces. Feel free to decide which term or abbreviation to use when creating your titles and descriptions on the platform, or when sharing on social media.

To quote Charles Michel, European Council President

"Europe stands at a turning point and must ensure it does not become the world's museum but remains master of its destiny"

Building on Charles Michel's warning, our platform aims to bridge the gap between preserving Europe's artistic legacy and fostering innovation in the digital realm. Since the platform is created with the view to showcase historical and cultural heritage - and prove this can be done in innovative way - the understanding is that regulations associated with term "museum" will not be a burden and obstacle to our creativity.

When using the platform, you should adhere to our guiding principles; remain ethical and have public perception in mind when creating your "museums" filled with the best of your Magnificent House and Heritage Spaces.

Image rules and videos

Images format and recommended size

Provide high-quality and correct images. The default image formats supported are .jpg and .png. The maximum listing size is 20 MB and 3072 x 3072 pixels.

Your original image can be landscape, portrait or square, and the maximum image size is 20 MB and 3072 x 3072 pixels. However, during upload, it will be fitted to the platform’s size of square thumbnail.

Also, in order to maximize performance, you might want to upload smaller images than 3072 x 3072 pixels. For the square thumbnail, the ideal image aspect ratio to sufficiently fit webpage requirements should be 4:4, for example, 1080 x 1080 pixels. This means that the image height and width should be equal.

If the image you upload has different dimensions than the thumbnail, it will be cropped to the square aspect ratio.

Thumbnail as first image seen on your Space

The first image that you upload is used in the thumbnail and displays as fronting image on your House or Heritage created Space. If the image you upload has different dimensions than the thumbnail, it will be cropped to the right aspect ratio. The other images will be displayed in a gallery format, slide by slide, when the visitors view your Space.

Embed a YouTube video on a listing Space or your profile page

You can use video format when creating your Spaces or add it to your profile page. Just add the URL of a YouTube video, and it will be automatically embedded when you create your Space listing or your profile page.