International museum day

INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY

Every year since 1977, ICOM has organized International Museum Day, which represents a unique moment for the international museum community.
The objective of International Museum Day (IMD) is to raise awareness of the fact that "museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures, and development of mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace among peoples." Organized on May 18th of each year—or around this date—the events and activities scheduled to celebrate International Museum Day may last for a single day, a weekend, or an entire week. IMD was celebrated for the first time 40 years ago. An increasing number of museums around the world are participating in International Museum Day. Last year, more than 37,000 museums took part in the event across approximately 158 countries and territories.

INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY 2026 THEME

As places of learning, museums contribute to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. For International Museum Day 2026—to be celebrated in May—we invite you to join us in highlighting the theme: *Museums Uniting a Divided World*. This theme will also guide ICOM’s 80th-anniversary celebrations throughout the year.

Museums are trusted public spaces where people encounter stories, objects, and one another. In times of social fragmentation, polarization, and unequal access to knowledge and culture, museums help rebuild connections across generations, communities, and borders, fostering dialogue, understanding, inclusion, and peace both within and between communities worldwide.

The theme "Museums Uniting a Divided World" highlights the potential of museums to act as bridges across cultural, social, and geopolitical divides, fostering dialogue, understanding, and peace both within and between communities around the globe. Museums do not erase differences; rather, they create the conditions for these to be understood and treated with respect—by safeguarding heritage and memory, offering opportunities for learning and reflection, and providing welcoming spaces where diverse voices can be heard. Open and accessible, museums foster diversity and sustainability.

Through International Museum Day, ICOM has been supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since 2020, and annually promotes a specific set of objectives. This year's theme aligns with the following three goals:

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: Reduce inequality within and among countries
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Promote just, peaceful, and inclusive societies
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

Founder and Executive Director Dayamy Rodriguez, along with President and Chief Curator Dr. Luis Suarez of the Suarez Museum of Natural Science & History, extend their congratulations to all museums worldwide on this very special occasion: International Museum Day.