Every year, on 18 May, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) organises International Museum Day (IMD), a global event highlighting the transformative role of museums in society. In 2026, IMD will explore “Museums Uniting a Divided World”, focusing on how museums can act as bridges across cultural, social, and geopolitical divides, fostering dialogue, understanding, inclusion, and peace within and between communities worldwide.
This year’s theme also guides the celebrations of ICOM’s 80th anniversary, marking a milestone in the organisation’s ongoing commitment to supporting museums and their role in society.
Museums as Catalysts for Connection
Museums are more than spaces of preservation—they 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 connections across generations, communities, and borders.
Rather than erasing differences, museums create the conditions in which they can be understood and respected. By safeguarding heritage and memory, offering opportunities for learning and reflection, and providing welcoming spaces for diverse voices, museums foster dialogue, inclusion, and peace.
This year’s theme aligns with three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 10: Museums contribute to reducing inequalities by promoting inclusive access to culture and knowledge.
- SDG 16: Museums support peaceful and inclusive societies by encouraging dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect.
- SDG 17: Through partnerships and collaboration, museums strengthen global cooperation for sustainable development.
A Global Initiative with a Strong Visual Identity
Each year, International Museum Day mobilises thousands of museums across the globe. The continued growth of IMD reflects its importance as a platform for cultural exchange, community engagement, and international collaboration.
For IMD 2026, ICOM is developing a compelling visual identity that reflects the theme of connection and unity. The key visual will highlight the idea of bridges—symbolic and real—bringing together diverse cultures, perspectives, and communities. Through thoughtful design, it will express the role of museums in fostering dialogue and understanding in a divided world.
ICOM provides a range of communication materials, including an official poster, web banners, and adaptable graphics available in multiple languages. Museums can customise these materials by adding their logos, adjusting colours, and incorporating translations while maintaining the core design integrity. The visuals are designed to be accessible in both digital and print formats, ensuring worldwide usability.
The Poster
This year’s IMD poster reflects the theme Museums Uniting a Divided World, capturing the idea of connection, dialogue, and shared understanding across differences.
Before customising your IMD poster, please take a moment to read the graphic design manual. This will ensure your adaptations align with the creative vision and design principles of the original poster.
Download the official ready-to-use poster
Easily adaptable to meet your needs with the following tools:
- Customisable (Canva and Adobe Illustrator)
- IMD 2026 customisation material