Museum
/mjuˈziː.əm/noun
A building or place where objects of historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural interest are stored and exhibited.
Did you know?In ancient Greece, museums were sacred spaces dedicated to the Muses, believed to inspire creativity and knowledge; they were literally temples of the arts!
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
μουσεῖον (mouseion)
“A temple or place dedicated to the Muses, the goddesses of the arts.”
1st Century
Latin
museum
“A place for the contemplation of the arts and sciences.”
Middle Ages
Latin
museum
“An institution for scholarly study, often focusing on collections of antiquities.”
16th Century
Italian
museo
“A collection or institution for art and culture.”
17th Century
English
museum
“A building where artifacts and objects of interest are housed and displayed.”