Words Inspiring Action.

On November 13th 2025, in its 27th General Conference, the International Council of Museums, ICOM, launched its new publication, The Museum Definition Handbook: Words Inspiring Action, co-authored by Bruno Brulon Soares and Lauran Bonilla-Merchav. 

The new museum definition, adopted by ICOM in 2022, is a valuable professional tool used by museum workers, policymakers and communities. The Museum Definition Handbook addresses and analyses each term that appears within the definition, building on reflections surrounding their meanings and significances that emerged during the participatory ICOM Define process.

The Museum Definition Handbook is an open source publication available in English, French, Spanish and Arabic.