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    Timelines – Museums



    Antiquity:

    1. Private Collections (300 BC)
    (Enkomi, Cyprus) – Known as the earliest evidence of collecting and showcasing for public view was in a Cypriot tomb structure, suggesting the idea of an early ‘museum’ where cherished or significant goods were displayed.

    The Middle Ages to Renaissance:

    2. Natural Cabinets of Curiosity (1500s-1700s)
    (Renaissance Europe) – The emergence of ‘cabinets of curiosities’ where wealthy aristocrats showcased their private collections of art, historical artifacts, and scientific specimens. These collections are precursors to modern museums.

    The Enlightenment:

    3. Public Access (1753)
    (The British Museum, London) – Possessing a collection transferred from ‘cabinet of curiosity’, The British Museum was the first free national public museum, landmarked the democratization of knowledge.

    The 19th Century:

    4. Specialized Museums (1809)
    (Louvre Museum, Paris) – The Louvre transitioned from a royal palace to a public museum, subsequently differentiating its collection into departments like Egyptian antiquities, painting, and sculpture, paving the way for specialized museums.

    5. Children’s Museums (1899)
    (Brooklyn Children’s Museum, USA) – Recognizing the educational potential of museums, the world’s first children’s museum was established, focusing on hands-on, interactive learning.

    The 20th Century to Present:

    6. Science and Technology Museums (1926)
    (Deutsches Museum, Munich) – Emergence of science and technology museums made the leap from presenting static exhibits to interactive and immersive presentations.

    7. Online Museums (1991)
    (Virtual Museum of Computing) – With the dawn of the digital age, the first online museum was launched, bringing museum experience to a global audience.

    8. Augmented and Virtual Reality (2013)
    (Cleveland Museum of Art, USA) – Museums started employing Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) for more immersive visitor experience.

    9. Climate-Controlled Environments (Present)
    (Louvre Abu Dhabi, UAE) – Technological advancements helped develop climate-controlled environments for preserving delicate artifacts, revolutionizing collection conservation.

    10. Pandemic-Era Museum Experience (2020)
    (Worldwide) – In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, museums pivoted towards virtual tours, online collections, and remote learning.