{"id":2969,"date":"2018-04-05T16:50:34","date_gmt":"2018-04-05T14:50:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/icom.site\/?page_id=282"},"modified":"2026-04-14T14:06:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T12:06:25","slug":"international-museum-day-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/icom.museum\/en\/international-museum-day-2\/","title":{"rendered":"International Museum Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

Each\u00a0year since 1977, ICOM has organised International Museum Day, which represents a unique moment for the international museum community.<\/h2>\n

The objective of International Museum Day (IMD) is to raise awareness about the fact that, \u201cMuseums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

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International Museum Day 2026: Museums Uniting a Divided World<\/h2>\n

On 18 May 2026, museums worldwide will mark International Museum Day under the theme \u201cMuseums Uniting a Divided World\u201d<\/strong><\/a>. The theme highlights the potential of museums to act as bridges across cultural, social, and geopolitical divides, fostering dialogue, understanding, inclusion and peace<\/strong> within and between communities worldwide.<\/p>\n

IMD 2026 Communication Material<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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International Museum Day 2026 Theme<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

As places of learning, museums contribute to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. For International Museum Day 2026 this May, we invite you to join us in highlighting the theme Museums uniting a divided world<\/strong>. This theme will also guide the celebrations of ICOM\u2019s 80th anniversary throughout the year.<\/p>\n

Museums are trusted public spaces where people encounter stories, objects and one another. In times of social fragmentation, polarisation, and unequal access to knowledge and culture, museums help rebuild connection across generations, across communities, and across borders, fostering dialogue, understanding, inclusion, and peace within and between communities worldwide.<\/p>\n

The theme \u201cMuseums Uniting a Divided World\u201d highlights the potential of museums to act as bridges across cultural, social, and geopolitical divides, fostering dialogue, understanding, and peace within and between communities worldwide. Museums do not erase differences but create conditions in which differences can be understood and handled with respect: by safeguarding heritage and memory, offering learning and reflection, and providing welcoming spaces where diverse voices can be heard. Open and accessible, museums foster diversity and sustainability.<\/p>\n

Through International Museum Day, ICOM has been supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)<\/a> since 2020 and promotes a set of goals annually. This year’s theme aligns with the following three goals:<\/p>\n