What is World Museum Day?
World Museum Day, also known as International Museum Day, is a holiday celebrated annually on May 18, with the purpose of raising awareness of the importance of museums in society. The day is organized by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), which was founded in 1946 and acts as an international network of museums and museum workers.
History and background of Museum Day
World Museum Day was celebrated for the first time in 1977. ICOM’s goal was to create a day that would emphasize the role of museums as preservers and promoters of culture, history and science. Museums are not only places where objects are stored, they are also centers of learning, research and community.
Themes of Museum Day
Every year, World Museum Day has its own theme that reflects current questions and challenges that museums face. Themes can vary widely, but they often focus on sustainable development, cultural heritage preservation and community involvement. For example, the theme for 2021 was “Museums and equality: promoting diversity and inclusion”.
Museum Day events and activities
On World Museum Day, museums around the world organize various events and activities, such as:
- Special exhibitions and guided tours
- Workshops and seminars
- Programs for children and families
- Virtual events and online content
These events are often free or discounted so that as many people as possible can participate and enjoy what the museums have to offer.
The importance of museums in society
Museums are important institutions that promote cultural understanding and learning. They offer the opportunity to get to know objects and stories from different eras and cultures, which helps us better understand our own history and that of others. In addition, museums act as important research centers and preserve valuable information for future generations.
More information
If you want to know more about World Museum Day and its events, you can visit the official website of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) from this link.
World Museum Day is an excellent opportunity to get to know the diverse offerings of museums and learn something new. It reminds us of the value of museums and their role as preservers of cultural heritage and promoters of social debate.
