Every year, on 18 May, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) organises International Museum Day (IMD), a global event highlighting the transformative role of museums in society. In 2025, IMD will explore “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities”, focusing on how museums can navigate and contribute to a world undergoing profound social, technological, and environmental shifts.
Museums as Catalysts for Change
Museums are more than spaces of preservation—they are active participants in shaping sustainable and inclusive communities. This year’s theme aligns with three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 8: Museums support local economies by creating employment opportunities and offering educational programs that empower communities.
- SDG 9: By fostering creativity and embracing technological advancements, museums drive innovation and enhance accessibility.
- SDG 11: Museums contribute to sustainable urban development by acting as cultural hubs that promote inclusion, resilience, and heritage preservation.
A Global Initiative with a Strong Visual Identity
In 2024, IMD saw over 8,000 registered events and more than 50 translations of the official poster, underlining the global reach of this initiative. For IMD 2025, ICOM has developed a compelling visual identity that reflects the ever-evolving nature of museums. The key visual, inspired by the idea of fluidity and adaptability, features dynamic, free-flowing forms and gradient tones, symbolising transformation and resilience.
ICOM provides a range of communication materials, including an official poster, web banners, and adaptable graphics available in multiple languages. Museums can customise these materials by adding their logos, adjusting colours, and incorporating translations while maintaining the core design integrity. The visuals are designed to be accessible in both digital and print formats, ensuring worldwide usability.
The Poster
This year’s IMD poster is designed by TheLoveTriangle, an an interdisciplinary scenography and exhibition design collective. Known for creating emotionally engaging spatial narratives, their work provokes thought, sparks conversation and inspires action.
Before costomising your IMD poster, please take a moment to read the graphic design manual created by The Love Triangle. This will ensure your adaptions align with the creative vision and design principles of the original poster.
Download the official ready-to-use poster
Easily adaptable to meet your needs with the following tools:
IMD 2025 Customisation material
IMD 2025 Customisation material
Get Involved with the IMD 2025 Communication kit
To support institutions in their participation, ICOM is launching the IMD 2025 Communications Kit, a comprehensive resource featuring guidelines, best practices, and creative ideas to help museums engage their communities effectively. The toolkit will provide step-by-step instructions on using the official visuals, organising events, and promoting IMD activities on social media.
ICOM invites museums, cultural institutions, and communities to take part in IMD 2025. Host an event, launch a digital initiative, or create a local campaign to highlight the vital role of museums in a changing world.
Stay connected and share your initiatives using #InternationalMuseumDay #IMD2025. Let’s celebrate museums as spaces of learning, innovation, and social progress!
Add your event to the Interactive Map!
Take a look at the Interactive Map!
Submit your poster translation!
Towards the ICOM General Conference 2025
This year’s theme is also aligned with the ICOM General Conference in Dubai (November 11–17, 2025), where museum professionals worldwide will explore how museums can adapt, evolve, and lead in times of change.
On May 18, 2025, join us in celebrating the transformation of museums and their positive impact on our communities. Together, let’s shape the future of museums!