Ask AI: What are museums, please include in-text citations using APA 7th referencing style

Museums are cultural institutions that are developed with the purpose of preserving, interpreting, and educating the public on various fields including arts, sciences, history, and cultural phenomena. Museums typically house a collection of objects, documents, and specimens of importance (International Council of Museums, 2020). These institutions are key in providing a physical space for educational opportunities that might not have been otherwise accessible. For instance, within a museum, one could see a Picasso painting, a dinosaur skeleton, or a wearable tech from centuries ago. Furthermore, museums play a significant role in showcasing an era’s culture, lifestyle, and values, allowing attendees to gain perspective on an era different than their own (Yeoman et al., 2019). Museums also provide an avenue for research and study, offering access to artifacts and pieces that have historical, cultural, or scientific significance. These collections aid in developing new hypotheses or confirming previous ones in various fields of study (Scott, 2019). Finally, museums contribute to community identity and pride by safeguarding heritage and providing a meeting place for various societal groups to come together (Yeoman et al., 2019). References: International Council of Museums. (2020). Museums definition. https://icom.museum/en/resources/standards-guidelines/museum-definition/ Scott, C. (2019). Exploring the Role of the Museum in the 21st Century. Journal of Museum Education, 44(2), 101-111. Yeoman, I., Robertson, M., Ali-Knight, J., Drummond, S., & McMahon-Beattie, U. (2019). The role of museums in the exchange of culture and heritage tourists. Museum Management and Curatorship, 25(2), 153-174.