History of the Museum

From as early as the 3rd century bc, there have been examples of museum concepts.   Ptolomy Soter, known as "The Preserver", founded the great Museon at Alexandria.   After six centuries, it was destroyed, ending centuries of intellectual research and collected statues.   In ancient Greece, temples of objects, including the Parthenon and the Acropolis housed cult statues in cellas, rooms dedicated to this purpose.   A keeper, similarly to a curator, would oversee the temple activities.   In addition, an early example of conservation is documented by the placement of oil vats by ivory statues to prevent drying out and cracking.   At the Treasury of the Athenians at Delphi, votive objects were stored for the purpose of conservation.   Documenting exhibition is the site at Propileo.   On the right side, there is a library, and on the left, a pinakotheke, which are panel paintings open to the public.   This shows early interest in exhibition and galleries.
During the Hellenistic period (Greek), Alexander the Great gathered a library of 600,000 volumes in scrolls, as well as statues of poets and philosophers.   The concept was similar to a history museum.   Under the leadership of Trajan, the 2nd century Romans displayed statues in temples, forums, theaters, and baths.   These people were much more public with their collections than the Greeks were, however, evidence of Greek influence is shown for example in the stature of Caesar Augustus (think Primaporta).   Also, statues were in homes for private viewing.   Under Hadrian, the open air concept was born, at least for private consumption.   He borrowed building ideas for his villa.
In the Middle Ages, Catholic cathedrals housed treasuries full of original objects from pilgrimages and crusades, donated by people to the church for salvation purposes, on the notion "absorb and purchase: donate".   There was an emphasis on preservation.   In the late 14th and early 15th centuries, private collections were emerging.   Jean, the Duke of... [continues]

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