International Museum Day
Each year since 1977, ICOM has organised International Museum Day, which represents a unique moment for the international museum community.
The objective of International Museum Day (IMD) is to raise awareness about the fact that, “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.” Organised on 18 May each year or around this date, the events and activities planned to celebrate International Museum Day can last a day, a weekend or an entire week. IMD was celebrated for the first time 40 years ago. All around the world, more and more museums participate in International Museum Day. Last year, more than 37,000 museums participated in the event in about 158 countries and territories.
International Museum Day 2024 “Museums for Education and Research”
This year’s theme, “Museums for Education and Research,” underscores the pivotal role of cultural institutions in providing a holistic educational experience. This day pushes for a more conscious, sustainable and inclusive world.
Museums serve as dynamic educational hubs, fostering curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. In 2024, we acknowledge their contribution to research, providing a platform for exploration and the dissemination of new ideas. From art and history to science and technology, museums are vital spaces where education and research converge to shape our understanding of the world.
Each year since 2020, the International Museum Day supports a set of Goals from the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. In 2024, we will focus on:
- Goal 4: Quality Education – Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
- Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.
For IMD 2024 we want to invite people to rethink education and imagine a future where knowledge sharing transcends barriers, where innovation unites with tradition. Join us as we explore the wealth of knowledge museums have to offer and, together, build a more informed and inclusive world !
The dedicated website for International Museum Day provides you with all the information, tools and material needed to get involved in the 2024 edition.
If you wish to use the poster in a language that is not available, do not hesitate to contact your ICOM National Committee or complete the form below.
To ensure the success of International Museum Day, we need your help!
You are the ambassadors of International Museum Day. Thanks to the activities that you organise and the strong connections you develop with your public, this event continues to be a success year after year. In addition to the activities you plan, your participation in International Museum Day is an opportunity for you to:
- Implement partnerships with schools, associations, libraries, other museums, etc. to promote your event and reinforce your links with organisations with similar goals;
- Advocate for the role of museums in our societies by letting local, regional, and national authorities know about your activities and why they matter for the general public;
- Spread information about International Museum Day through the local press, your social media and your website;
- Gain international visibility about your activities by sharing information about your International Museum Day events with ICOM, allowing us to spread the news throughout our network and beyond.
Check the IMD 2024 toolkit !
IMD KIT 2024 EN by Communications
When preparing a special activity for International Museum Day 2024, we recommend that you follow five important steps:
- TARGET A SPECIFIC PUBLIC
You can choose to target your regular visitors or new public. In any case, we recommend you to target at least one specific public such as children, senior citizens, a minority within your community, etc. - DEFINE YOUR OBJECTIVES
Your aim can be to reach new public, highlight your participation in the community, be heard by public authorities, make your institution known to potential partners, etc. - FORGE INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
International Museum Day is a chance to create local, national or international partnerships and sponsorships in regards to many aspects – from collections, to mediation or financing. - JOIN AN INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN
Register your activity on the interactive map of International Museum Day (coming soon !) and use our hashtags on social media to join museums worldwide in the celebration. - MAKE A POST-EVENT EVALUATION
It is important to analyse the success of your International Museum Day and its impact. We also encourage you to send your images and outcomes to your ICOM National Committee — they might feature in ICOM’s Annual Report!
Add your event to the IMD 2024 Interactive Map!
In a groundbreaking move, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) has launched a new Interactive Map for International Museum Day (IMD) 2024. We hope through this platform to offer a dynamic showcase of events on a global scale. To feature your event on this platform, simply fill out the survey and Submit your information.