International Museum Day
Next: May 18, 2027
Go and meet the past.
The story
Where it comes from
International Museum Day was created by the International Council of Museums, ICOM. Meeting in Moscow in May 1977, its General Assembly resolved to hold the day every year on 18 May, starting in 1978, under the message that 'museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples'. The idea grew out of ICOM's work since the 1950s on museums and education, and in 1992 ICOM first proposed a shared theme.
How it's celebrated
Museums around the world hold special exhibitions, tours, talks and family activities, and many open free of charge, on the day itself or across a weekend or a whole week. In recent years more than 37,000 museums in about 158 countries and territories have taken part. In Europe the Night of Museums falls on the Saturday closest to 18 May, when museums stay open into the night.
Did you know
- At the first International Museum Day in 1978, the South Australian Museum in Adelaide opened its storerooms and workshops to visitors for the first time.
- The day's first official poster, in 1997, was about fighting the illegal trade in cultural objects, and 28 countries adapted it.
- In Malaysia, museums run by the Department of Museums, including the National Museum in Kuala Lumpur, have opened free of charge for the day.
Coming up next
- World Family Doctor Day · May 19, 2027
- World Fair Play Day · May 19, 2027
- Vesak · May 20, 2027
- World Bee Day · May 20, 2027
- World Metrology Day · May 20, 2027
- International Tea Day · May 21, 2027