At the museum, the muses have fun!
From the Greek mouseîon, the etymology of the word museum refers to the temple of the muses. The nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne are the goddesses who inspire poets. And of the arts associated with poetry.
So, no visual arts in their bosom. But their name for a showcase.
Indeed, the word mouseîon was used to name the part of Ptolemy's palace in Alexandria devoted to the arts and sciences. The distinction between the Latin term museum - reserved for the sciences - and that of musée - devoted to the arts - appeared in the 18th century.
18th century Enlightenment and Revolution. Against this backdrop, museums were created for three reasons: conservation, dissemination and education[1]. These notions are still very much relevant today, and give the genesis of the institution a timeless quality. As a place of memory of a heritage belonging to the whole of humanity, it is also a training ground for artists and amateurs. Today, this perspective continues and expands. Museums, foundations and art centers offer art history courses, workshops, meetings and conferences open to all. The Centre Pompidou's MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), the City of Paris' courses at the Ecole du Louvre, the Grand Palais' art history courses, and the MAC VAL's courses are just a few of the significant examples. Online or indoors, free or fee-paying, these courses open up art, its history and its players to new audiences.
All are places where art, past or present, is shown, taught and shared. In short, where it is lived. At the museum, the muses have fun. And so do we!
Mahault de Raymond-Cahuzac
[1] Anne Souriau, "Musée" (article) in Etienne Souriau,Vocabulaire d'Esthétique, PUF, 2010.
Image: Fine Arts students drawing from a sculpted model, Sala de las Musas, Museo del Prado, Madrid - Photo © Clara Pagnussatt
