Every year since 1977, ICOM has celebrated International Museum Day, a unique event for the international museum community. On this day, participating museums organize events around an annually chosen theme, engaging their visitors and highlighting the importance of the museum as an institution dedicated to the advancement of society.
The purpose of International Museum Day is to draw public attention to the fact that "museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enriching cultures and promoting understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples". The events of the International Museum Day are held annually on May 18. The duration of the events is unlimited: they can last one day, a weekend or a whole week. International Museum Day was first celebrated 40 years ago.
The theme chosen each year responds to the current needs of society.
In 2025, the theme of International Museum Day will be "The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities". The theme will focus on how museums navigate and contribute to a world undergoing profound social, technological and environmental change.
Museums are more than just places for preservation, they are actively engaged in building sustainable and inclusive communities. This year's theme is aligned with the three Sustainable Development Goals:
- Museums support local economies by creating employment opportunities and offering educational programs that empower communities.
- By encouraging creativity and utilizing technological advances, museums stimulate innovation and increase accessibility.
- Museums contribute to sustainable urban development by serving as cultural centers that promote inclusion, resilience and heritage preservation.
#InternationalMuseumDay #IMD2025
Check out previous International Museum Day topics at the active links below:
- International Museum Day — 2024. Museums for Education and Research
- International Museum Day — 2023. Museums, Sustainability, and Well-Being
- International Museum Day — 2021. The Future of Museums: Recover and Reimagine
- International Museum Day — 2020. Museums for Equality: Diversity and Inclusion
- International Museum Day — 2019. Museums as Cultural Hubs: The Future of Tradition
