MUSEUMS are important for many reasons. They are a way to learn about history and the world around us. They can also be a fun and educational way to spend time with family and friends. From big to small, famous to local, museums give us places to feel, think, grow, learn, wonder, to know about the journey of decades, centuries even in short span of time. A few cultural institutions have remained as important as museums over the decades. They preserve and promote socio-cultural interests. Most important function of a museum is to collect objects of heritage since it is a custodian of the heritage of society or country. Museums preserve and exhibit important cultural, artistic, historical or scientific artefacts. While these exhibits provide informative and visual explorations, there are many benefits to visit these institutions. Simply put, museums help teach, inspire and connect communities.
With the advent of the internet and digital media, it might be said that museums are no longer necessary. But world’s rising power China’s museum culture not only attracts but also drows the attention of tourists that the rising power China believe even in this post-modern era of twenty first century which is also called age of digital world; importance of Museum still stand. This nation believe that museums are more important than ever. Museums play an important role in society by preserving and displaying artefacts and art. They also provide formal and informal educational opportunities for the people of all ages. It helps us to understand the world around us and our place in it.
In this regard, Chinese are very much conscious about the preservation of every moment which is passing. As wise people, they have recognized that knowing the past is the foundation on which the future is built. Museums, in fact, play an important role in preserving history and heritage despite the fact that there are many methods of recognizing and learning about the past importance of Museum is undeniable. They have the crystal-clear idea that every moment which is passing is becoming a part of history. So, they are in persistent effort to preserve their past by updating day-to-day records in their museums.
Besides the “National Museum of China” situated in capital city ‘Beijing’, culture of developing museum is very much common. All institutions either public or private they have developed museum which shows a journey from their past to present in a few minutes. In educational institutions they have developed a small museum to show their history. Similarly, they have developed Many other museums ie Glass museum, Paper work museum, Museum of porcelain jars and pots, Wildlife museum, Spacecraft’s Museum, Museum of rural and Urban life development, Mongolian invasions pictorial and statues journey, the most important a mind blowing Museum is; journey of Chinese currency. This museum reveals that after the barter system how and which type of Chinese currency was in the past, from blocks to coin than coin to paper currency or notes and now from note currency and digital marketing system of online debit and credit is going on.
Through the museum, I was revealed that Chinese agriculture tools and household items were same just like Pakistani. Different items of furniture like iron, dressing table, small tables, wheat grain hand machine and many other items were same just nowadays in rural areas of Pakistan are being used by every lady. Museum provided a lens see in the past of socio-cultural history of China within a few minutes. It also helps to learn that every developed nation starts from grass roots and manual works. Hard work is the key to success. A nation, which is rising power now, once a time it worked with its blood and sweat.
Point to learn is that, in Pakistan there is dire need to develop museum culture. Both state and society can develop a mechanism to preserve the past and present for future generations, so that they may get the idea about the struggle of its ancestors. Museum about the Partition 1947 and sacrifices of people can preserve the memory of our forefathers. It will not only help save the past but to develop the sense of patriotism as well. As Museum visits provide students with a deeper understanding of conceptual concepts by increasing their sensory literacy, which involves their ability to absorb information through the senses of sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste.
Our cultural heritage is strongly influenced by museums. Research revealed that every year, direct contribution to the US economy exceeds $21 billion, and they generate billions more in indirect spending from visitors. According to a 2016 study conducted by the American Association of Museums, AAM museums are the most trustworthy source of objective information among a variety of sources. The importance of museums as well as their role in fostering knowledge and appreciation for art, is emphasized by this study.
Last but not the least, a museum’s purpose is to connect us to other worlds, to our pasts, and to the civilizations that have been lost or destroyed. Without museums, many important items would be lost or forgotten. Museums help keep history alive. They also provide a place for people to come together and learn about different cultures.
—The writer is a Lecturer in History, Government Graduate College for Women Raiwind District Lahore.
Email: [email protected]
