The word ‘museum’ comes from classical Latin where it meant a place holy to the Muses.
(In Greek mythology the Muses were the goddesses of inspiration in literature, science and the arts.
The 9 muses were each protectors of a different art and symbolised by a different item; Calliope (epic poetry – a writing tablet), Clio (history – a scroll or book), Euterpe (lyric poetry – an aulos (a Greek flute)), Thalia (comedy and pastoral poetry – a comic mask), Melpomene (tragedy – a sword), Terpsichore (dance – a lyre), Erato (love poetry – a cithara (a Greek type of lyre)), Polyhymnia (sacred poetry / hymns – a veil), and Urania (astronomy – a globe and compass).
Nowadays, the word “muse” can be used to refer to any person who inspires an artist, writer, or musician.)