International Museum Day is a global event coordinated by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), celebrated annually on the 18th of May around the world. International Museum Day is a platform to raise awareness about the role of museums that plays in the development of society. It also highlights the importance of the museum in the means of cultural exchange, cultural development, mutual understanding, and cooperation peace among the people. This day provides an opportunity for museum professionals to consult and educate the public about the issues facing museums.
In 1977, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) created International Museum Day. After the creation of International Museum Day, it has become increasingly popular, with 20,000 museums in over 90 countries participating in International Museum Day 2009. In 2012, the number of museums participating has increased to 30,000 in 129 countries.
International Museum Day 2023 Theme: “Museums, Sustainability and Wellbeing”
Every year the International Council of
Museums (ICOM) chooses a theme that is the heart of the concerned society, also to promotes the role of Museums. This year the theme of International Museum Day 2023: “Museums, Sustainability and Wellbeing”
Our communities’ well-being and sustainable development are significantly influenced by museums. They are ideally situated to provide a cascading effect to promote positive change since they are dependable institutions and significant threads in our common social fabric. The Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved in many different ways, from promoting inclusivity and promoting climate action to addressing social isolation and enhancing mental health.
All museums have an essential role to play in shaping and creating sustainable futures, as noted in the ICOM Resolution “On sustainability and the implementation of Agenda 2030, Transforming our World” (Kyoto, 2019), and they can do this through educational programs, exhibitions, community outreach, and research.
Since 2020, the International Museum Day has supported a number of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In 2023, we will prioritize:
Goal 3: Ensure everyone lives a healthy life and promote well-being for all ages, with a focus on social isolation and mental health.
Goal 13: Take Urgent Climate Action: Adopt Low Carbon Practices in the Global North and Mitigation Strategies in the Global South to combat Climate Change and Its Effects.
Goal 15: Life on Land: Preserve, restore, and encourage sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems while elevating the voices of indigenous leaders and bringing attention to the decline of biodiversity.
Objective
The goal for celebrating International Museum Day is to raise awareness that the value of Museums is an essential means of cultural exchange, cultural enrichment, and the creation of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples. ICOM has organized International Museum Day every year since 1977 which creates a unique opportunity for the international museum community.
Celebration
Every year, the International Museum Day is celebrated with great events, museums from all over the world are invited to take part in the celebration to promote the role of museums. The events are unique with free activities based on the theme. This year due to the World Pandemic and following lockdown the International Museum Day is going digital. The ICOM invites museums from all over the world to host different online activities around the day with the theme: Museums for Equality: Diversity and Inclusion.
Swikriti Dandotia
