Extended Museum in Its Milieu

The seminar that took place in Wilanów on May 16-17, 2017, organized by ICOM Europe and ICOM Poland and titled "Planning an Extended Museum: Cultural & Natural Heritage, Society, Economy, Land & Townscape," was a direct outcome of a significant ICOM resolution named "The Responsibility of Museums Towards Landscape." This resolution was adopted by the ICOM General Assembly in Milan on July 9, 2016. Following this important resolution, its creators and editors were invited to participate in the UNESCO High Level Forum of Museums held in Shenzhen, China. During this event, the Shenzhen Declaration on Museums and Collections was also adopted, marking the first occasion where the critical role of museums in safeguarding diverse types of heritage was so prominently acknowledged.From the recommendations issued, a visionary concept emerged, positioning museums as active hubs that cultivate dynamic, reciprocal relations with their communities. In this role, museums are envisioned as not just custodians of art and history, but as epicenters of specialized knowledge pertinent to their thematic areas of focus. This enriched knowledge foundation becomes the crucial element for developing enduring protective abilities, aimed at preserving and showcasing invaluable artifacts, unique natural phenomena, and significant human accomplishments. Furthermore, museums are seen as pivotal in educating the public and conducting in-depth studies on these topics.Dorota Folga-Januszewska