International Museum Day

 

Museums are considered a heritage of humanity and hold plenty of information about history, science, and culture. They serve as an educational hub, fostering curiosity, critical thinking and creativity. From art and history to science and technology, museums are vital spaces where education and research meet to shape our understanding of the world.

International Museum Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the fact that museums are a crucial means of cultural exchange, development of mutual understanding, and peace and cooperation among individuals.

On May 18, International Museum Day is observed by the International Council of Museums (ICOM). The inception of this day dates back to 1977. As the name suggests, the day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of museums in society’s development.

International Museum Day: History

Established during the ICOM General Assembly in 1977 in Moscow, Russia, International Museum Day aimed to create an annual event that would unite museums and raise global awareness about their activities. It bore the message that museums are essential for cultural exchange, mutual understanding, peace, and cooperation among individuals.

Later, ICOM introduced the first theme for the event in 1992, focusing on ‘Museums and Environment.’ Five years later, the first official poster was launched and it addressed the issue of combating the illicit trafficking of cultural goods.

This event steadily garnered popularity, with an increasing number of museums participating and emphasising diversity within unity.