Why we still need collections – Museums in the business of originality

This article examines how museological value discussion can offer a tool for museum professionals to engage themselves in the current discourse regarding building sustainable futures. In this work, it will be essential to consider the long line of museological traditions, and not rely only on current trends. The development of values cannot reach a culmination point in the span of just one museum career. Such values are rather developed over the centuries. This can be seen in objects that have received key object status in museum collections. The concept of object energy is introduced to emphasize the need for a deeper view and a longer perspective. Eventually, this discussion could resonate well with the current global demands for a more sustainable future, thus putting museums in the position of being strong policy makers in society in general.