International Museum Day

The International Museum Day is celebrated on May 18 every year to raise awareness of the fact that ‘museums are important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among people’. The celebration can last for a day, a weekend or the entire week. The International Museum Day is coordinated by the International Council of Museums (ICOM). The event highlights a specific theme that changes every year. The International Museum Day enables museum professionals to meet the public and to inform them about the challenges faced by museums. Museums as defined by the International Council of Museums are non-profit, permanent institutions in the service of society and its development. Museums are open to the public. Museums acquire, conserve, research, communicate and exhibit the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity. Museums are there for the purpose of education, study and enjoyment. Museums all over the world participate in the International Museum Day to promote the role of museums and to create unique and enjoyable activities around the theme for the particular year.