Museums have been defined in different ways in publications and other reference books, including dictionaries. Organisations such as the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have also given definitions of a museum.

According to the International Council of Museums (ICOM): “A museum is a not-for-profit, permanent institution in the service of society that researches, collects, conserves, interprets and exhibits tangible and intangible heritage. Open to the public, accessible and inclusive, museums foster diversity and sustainability.”