This year, the International Museum Day celebration will have the aggregated theme of «Museums, Education and Research», with the aim of emphasising the fundamental role of cultural institutions in providing a holistic educational experience.
Museums are dynamic education centres that foster curiosity, creativity and critical thinking.
In 2024, International Council of Museums (ICOM) recognises their contribution to research, providing a platform for the exploration and dissemination of new ideas. From art and history to science and technology, museums are vital spaces where education and research converge to shape our understanding of the world.
Every year since 2020, the International Museum Day has supported a set of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In 2024, the activities to be promote will focus on Goal 4: Quality Education – Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all; and Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.
Celebrated annually on May 18th, International Museum Day was created in 1977 by ICOM, with the aim of promoting reflection, among society, on the role of museums in its development.
More and more museums around the world are taking part in this global celebration. Last year, 37 000 museums in 158 countries and territories joined the event.