art-museum
/ˈɑːt ˌmjuː.zi.əm/ IELTSAcademic
noun
An art museum is a place where people can see paintings, sculptures, and other works of art. It may also keep and study art collections.
- We visited the art museum on Sunday.
- The art museum has a new modern-art show.
- She works at the art museum downtown.
Adinary Nuance
An art museum is not the same as an art gallery. A museum usually has a larger collection and may also preserve and study art. A gallery is often smaller and more focused on showing and selling works.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- bảo tàng nghệ thuật
- Spanish
- museo de arte
- Chinese
- 艺术博物馆
- Japanese
- 美術館
- Korean
- 미술관
Etymology
Art museum combines art, from Old French and Latin roots, with museum, from Latin museum and Greek mouseion. The phrase became common in English in the 19th century.
Common phrases
visit an art museumart museum collectionart museum exhibitart museum curator
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between an art museum and an art gallery?
- An art museum usually keeps a permanent collection. An art gallery often shows art for sale.
- Is art museum one word or two words?
- It is usually written as two words in English: art museum.
- Is art museum a formal phrase?
- Yes. It is neutral and common in both speaking and writing.