Term derived from the Greek museion (the temple dedicated to the Muse) where scientific and artistic activities took place. After the beginning of the 16th Century when the term indicated a gathering of antiques, near the end of the Century, the term became more precise to indicate a place designated to conserve works of art and as such in the following centuries was utilized as a synonym of gallery. One must remember that in reality the term is to be intended in a wider frame - one must not forget the contemporary conception of the museum, that goes beyond the identification of a place dedicated to conservation, to define it as a cultural centre, and a building for exhibitions, films, didactic and study activities, favoured by the presence of libraries and slide libraries.