Functions of the Museum

(1) The functions of the Museum shall be to– (a) develop and promote respect for the natural and human environment of Belize; (b) establish such galleries and other suitable forms of display as may be necessary for the exhibition of objects of historical, cultural, natural or scientific interest; (c) provide and maintain such services as are necessary or desirable for the operation of the Museum, or as the Board may require; (d) collect, preserve and restore objects of historical or cultural interest; National Institute of Culture 20 and History (e) provide and maintain gardens, greenhouses, rooms for recreation and refreshment, lecture rooms, libraries, Houses of Culture, shops, machinery and conveniences as may be thought desirable for the entertainment, instruction and education of the public with or without charge and to do all things conducive thereto; (f) exchange, donate, lend or otherwise allow the use of objects of historical or cultural interest and other museum material in its collection and use any revenue obtained therefrom to further its collection; (g) lend or borrow objects of historical or cultural interest and other museum material on long-term or short-term loan; (h) organize, sponsor, arrange for and participate in travelling exhibitions, in Belize and internationally, of objects of historical or cultural interest and other museum material in its collection and from other sources; (i) provide facilities to qualified individuals to use and study its collection; (j) promote knowledge, and disseminate information, related to its purpose, throughout Belize and internationally, by such means of education and communication as are appropriate; (k) develop, operate and maintain branches or exhibition centres; National Institute of Culture and History 21 (l) promote research and disseminate its research by lectures, publications or other means; (m) liaise with other institutions having similar objects for mutual cooperation; and (n) carry out such other activities as may be prescribed from time to time by regulations made under this Act. (2) In carrying out the functions of the Museum, the Board may, on the recommendations of the Director– (a) construct, alter and maintain buildings at the Museum and elsewhere; (b) require other divisions of the Institute to deliver objects and documents for purposes of display in the Museum; (c) grant, on such terms and conditions as the Board thinks fit, authority to carry on any trade or business at the Museum; (d) grant leases, subleases or other interests or concessions in respect of land or buildings or of the use of the name or logo or other property of the Museum or for the provisions of services to the public subject to the payment of rent or other consideration as the Board may think fit; (e) carry on such activities as appear to be advantageous, necessary or desirable for or in connection with the exercise and performance of its functions; National Institute of Culture 22 and History (f) charge for goods, services and admission and use the revenue obtained therefrom for its own purposes.