International Museum Day
Each year since 1977, ICOM has organised International Museum Day, which represents a unique moment for the international museum community.The objective of International Museum Day (IMD) is to raise awareness about the fact that, “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.” 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.
International Museum Day 2026: Museums Uniting a Divided World
On 18 May 2026, museums worldwide will mark International Museum Day under the theme “Museums Uniting a Divided World”. The theme highlights the potential of museums to act as bridges across cultural, social, and geopolitical divides, fostering dialogue, understanding, inclusion and peace within and between communities worldwide.
INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY 2026 THEME
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. This theme will also guide the celebrations of ICOM’s 80th anniversary throughout the year.
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.
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 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.
Through International Museum Day, ICOM has been supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since 2020 and promotes a set of goals annually. 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: Partnership for the goals: Revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development
ICOM invites all members of the international museum community to participate in International Museum Day 2026 and translate the theme into locally meaningful action, including participatory programming, partnerships, and accessible experiences that strengthen belonging and trust. ICOM looks forward to highlighting International Museum Day with you and your connected museum.
To ensure the success of International Museum Day, we need your help!
You are the ambassadors of International Museum Day. Thanks to the activities that you organise and the strong connections you develop with your public, this event continues to be a success year after year. In addition to the activities you plan, your participation in International Museum Day is an opportunity for you to:
- Implement partnerships with schools, associations, libraries, other museums, etc. to promote your event and reinforce your links with organisations with similar goals;
- Advocate for the role of museums in our societies by letting local, regional, and national authorities know about your activities and why they matter for the general public;
- Spread information about International Museum Day through the local press, your social media and your website;
- Gain international visibility about your activities by sharing information about your International Museum Day events with ICOM, allowing us to spread the news throughout our network and beyond.
When preparing a special activity for International Museum Day, we recommend that you follow five important steps:
TARGET A SPECIFIC PUBLIC
You can choose to target your regular visitors or new public. In any case, we recommend you to target at least one specific public such as children, senior citizens, a minority within your community, etc.
DEFINE YOUR OBJECTIVES
Your aim can be to reach new public, highlight your participation in the community, be heard by public authorities, make your institution known to potential partners, etc.
FORGE INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
International Museum Day is a chance to create local, national or international partnerships and sponsorships in regards to many aspects – from collections, to mediation or financing.
JOIN AN INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN
Register your activity on the interactive map of International Museum Day (coming soon !) and use our hashtags on social media to join museums worldwide in the celebration.
MAKE A POST-EVENT EVALUATION
It is important to analyse the success of your International Museum Day and its impact. We also encourage you to send your images and outcomes to your ICOM National Committee — they might feature in ICOM’s Annual Report!