The museum as an educational institution and the global challenges of our time

The article analyzes modern changing conditions of existence of the museum as a social and cultural institute. The museum is regarded as an educational institution, fulfilling the mission of preserving social memory. Changes in the sphere of communication, socio-economic and cultural policy change functions of the museum. The museum as a nonprofit institution faces challenges inherent in commercial organizations. The article reveals the contradictions and conflicts caused by this situation. There is a shift of emphasis in the functions and mission of the museum that may adversely affect the sphere of preservation and transmission of historical and social memory. Today, however, the museum in any socio-political paradigm, in any global process intended to find its identity, to preserve the main task of preserving social memory and to fulfill its educational mission. If it is fundamental in the training of museum personnel, the museum will be saved as a social institution.