a depository for collecting and displaying objects having scientific or historical or artistic value
"We spent the afternoon exploring the museum, admiring ancient artifacts that were carefully collected to preserve their historical significance."
A building or institution dedicated to the acquisition, conservation, study, exhibition, and educational interpretation of objects having scientific, historical, cultural or artistic value.
"After visiting the new wing at the museum, I was amazed by how carefully they conserve ancient artifacts for future generations."
In plain English: A museum is a place where people keep and show important old things for others to look at and learn from.
"We visited the local museum to see the ancient artifacts."
Usage: A museum is a physical place where people go to view collections of valuable historical, artistic, or scientific items. Do not use it to describe an online database or a private home unless those spaces function like a public institution with curated exhibits.
The word museum comes from the Latin mūsēum, which originally meant a library or study. This term was borrowed into English from Ancient Greek, where it referred to a shrine dedicated to the Muses.