Checklist On Ethics of Cultural Property Ownership PDF

Contacts and further information Checklist on ethics of cultural
property ownership
(especially concerning museum collections)
If museum colleagues or general inquirers need any special assistance concerning
collection items or have particular questions that have arisen on which help could Ethics and the changing service and social development. The ICOM
be beneficial (e.g. practical examples of diverse claims and the variety of possible museum world Code reflects principles generally accepted
outcomes concerning the restitution of looted art – including mediation options), the by the international museum community as
following agencies may be of assistance: Nationally and internationally, questions base-line standards for the museum sector
concerning ethics in the museum world worldwide. The ICOM Code does not
• ICOM Ethics Committee, Chairperson, have grown in importance during recent seek to aim above national codes; rather,
c/o ICOM (International Council of Museums), years. Worldwide interest has sharpened, it sets down the internationally accepted
1, rue Miollis, 75732 Paris Cedex 15, France, for example, around topics related to the foundations that should underpin all other,
e-mail: ethics@icom.museum impact of colonisation on subjects peoples sometimes more specialised, codes. The
and collections built through the expansion ICOM Code was first adopted by the 15th
• ICOM (International Council of Museums), of empires historically, repatriation claims General Assembly of ICOM in 1986; a
1, rue Miollis, 75732 Paris Cedex 15, France; by indigenous peoples, looted art, trophy restructured, condensed and more clearly
http://icom.museum, art, and illicit trafficking (including as a result set out Code was ratified as the ICOM Code
Tel: +33 (01) 47 34 05 00, of armed conflicts). of Ethics for Museums by the 21st General
Fax: +33 (01) 43 06 78 62, Assembly of ICOM in 2004.
e-mail: secretariat@icom.museum To assist museums in these matters, in a
co-operative effort with UNESCO dating Considering the complexity of the ethical
• Your local ICOM representatives (see list of ICOM’s National Committees at back to 1970 and the pivotal UNESCO questions affecting the work of museums
http://icom.museum/nationals.html) Convention of that year, the International today, the present Checklist is a tool for two
Council of Museums (ICOM) developed in purposes: (A) it sets out the 8 organising
• For many translations of the ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums, see the 1980s a comprehensive code of ethics principles that shape the detailed articles
http://icom.museum/ethics.html for museums (“ICOM Code”). This code sets of the ICOM Code, as well as providing
minimum standards of professional practice orientation and support in dealing with
and performance for museums and their these complex topics; and (B) it offers a list
staff, grounded in the fundamental ethical of contacts for further advice on particular
disposition of museums towards public questions.
Compiled by the International

Council of Museums (ICOM)
This Checklist has been compiled jointly by ICOM, the ICOM Ethics Committee, and the and the Koordinierungsstelle
Koordinierungsstelle Magdeburg (www.lostart.de / www.kulturgutschutz-deutschland.de). Magdeburg
Paris, May 2011.
The Principles of
the ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums
1. Museums preserve, interpret and promote the 5. Museums hold resources that provide opportunities
natural and cultural inheritance of humanity for other public services and benefits
Museums are responsible for the tangible and intangible natural and cultural heritage. Museums utilise a wide variety of specialisms, skills and physical resources that have a far
Governing bodies and those concerned with the strategic direction and oversight of broader application than in the museum. This may lead to shared resources or the provision
museums have a primary responsibility to protect and promote this heritage as well as the of services as an extension of the museum’s activities. These should be organized in such a
human, physical and financial resources made available for that purpose. way that they do not compromise the museum’s stated mission.
2. Museums that maintain collections hold them in trust 6. Museums work in close collaboration with the
for the benefit of society and its development communities from which their collections originate as well
Museums have the duty to acquire, preserve and promote their collections as a contribution as those they serve
to safeguarding the natural, cultural and scientific heritage. Their collections are a significant Museum collections reflect the cultural and natural heritage of the communities from which
public inheritance, have a special position in law and are protected by international they have been derived. As such they have a character beyond that of ordinary property
legislation. Inherent in this public trust is the notion of stewardship that includes rightful which may include strong affinities with national, regional, local, ethnic, religious or political
ownership, provenance, permanence, documentation, accessibility and responsible identity. It is important therefore that museum policy is responsive to this possibility.
disposal.
3. Museums hold primary evidence for establishing 7. Museums operate in a legal manner
Museums must conform fully to international, regional, national, or local legislation and
and furthering knowledge treaty obligations. In addition, the governing body should comply with any legally binding
Museums have particular responsibilities to all for the care, accessibility and interpretation of
trusts or conditions relating to any aspect of the museum, its collections and operations.
primary evidence collected and held in their collections.
4. Museums provide opportunities for the 8. Museums operate in a professional manner

appreciation, understanding and promotion of the natural Members of the museum profession should observe accepted standards and laws and
uphold the dignity and honour of their profession. They should safeguard the public against
and cultural heritage illegal or unethical professional conduct. Every opportunity should be used to inform and
Museums have an important duty to develop their educational role and attract wider educate the public about the aims, purposes, and aspirations of the profession to develop a
audiences from the community, locality, or group they serve. Interaction with the constituent better public understanding of the contributions of museums to society.
community and promotion of their heritage is an integral part of the educational role of the
museum.

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Contacts and further information Checklist on ethics of cultural

Compiled by the International

4. Museums provide opportunities for the 8. Museums operate in a professional manner

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