ICOM Foundation

Sixty Years Supporting ICOM and the Global Museum Community

The ICOM Foundation was established in 1965 following a decision of the ICOM Executive Board. It was formally created in Zurich (Switzerland) on 15 June 1965 by leading museum professionals, including Sir Philip Hendy, Director of the National Gallery in London.

Its creation was officially announced during the 8th ICOM General Conference, held in New York (USA) in September–October 1965. In accordance with Article 5.2.3 of the ICOM Internal Rules, the ICOM Foundation serves as an institution and instrument providing financial support to ICOM and its activities.

In 1995, Christine Boël was elected President of the ICOM Foundation.

For three decades, she played a central role in the Foundation’s development, helping to strengthen its support for ICOM and expand its network of contributors. Her longstanding commitment to museums and cultural heritage made a significant contribution to both the Foundation and the wider ICOM community.

Under her leadership, the Foundation substantially increased its number of contributors and its support for ICOM programmes and initiatives.

At the 27th ICOM General Conference in Dubai in 2025, Christine Boël was posthumously recognised as an ICOM Honorary Member in acknowledgement of her exceptional contribution to the organisation.

Several former ICOM Presidents and senior museum professionals have played an important role in the development of the ICOM Foundation.

The current Board of the ICOM Foundation includes:

• Alberto Garlandini, President of ICOM (2020–2022)
• Elisabeth des Portes, ICOM Secretary General (1992–1997)
• Jacques Perot, President of ICOM (1998–2004)
• Rémy Best, Managing Partner of the Pictet Group
• Catherine Pégard, former President of the Château de Versailles, current French Minister of Culture

The ICOM Foundation Contributors are proud to support many ICOM projects and initiatives and to contribute to four key areas of ICOM’s mission.

Through their contributions, they help strengthen the protection of cultural heritage, support museums and museum professionals facing challenging circumstances, promote professional development and international exchange, and facilitate participation in major ICOM events. Their support enables ICOM to deliver programmes that benefit the global museum community and advance the role of museums in society.

• Protecting cultural heritage through initiatives that combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property, including support for the ICOM Red Lists of Cultural Objects at Risk.
• Supporting museums and heritage in times of crisis, including in regions affected by armed conflicts, natural disasters, or other emergency situations.
• Promoting the training and mobility of museum professionals, with particular attention to young professionals and members of ICOM National Committees in countries with fewer resources.
• Facilitating access to international exchange and cooperation, including participation in ICOM General Conferences and other major ICOM events, both in person and online.

All contributors to the ICOM Foundation support the values and principles of ICOM. They commit to respecting the ICOM Statutes and the ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums and must not be involved in the trade of cultural property.

The Foundation Coordinator within the ICOM Secretariat can be contacted at: fondation@icom.museum