emirates7 - The International Council of Museums (ICOM) will celebrate International Museum Day (IMD) tomorrow, 18 May—a significant occasion for the global museum community.
Headquartered in Paris, ICOM highlights that the purpose of IMD is to emphasize the vital role museums play in fostering cultural exchange, enriching cultural diversity, and promoting mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace among peoples. Held annually on 18 May, IMD was first commemorated four decades ago. Participation continues to grow, with over 37,000 museums from around 158 countries and territories taking part last year.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, museums stand at the forefront of transformation, adapting to shifting global dynamics and changing societal needs. This year’s IMD theme, The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities, calls on everyone to rethink the role of museums as vital agents of connection, innovation, and cultural preservation. Tied to the 27th ICOM General Conference in Dubai, the theme encourages deep reflection on how museums can protect intangible cultural heritage, engage youth, and embrace technological advancements. It signals a collective journey toward strengthening museums and empowering communities amid ongoing change.
Museums today go beyond simply conserving artifacts—they play an active role in building inclusive and sustainable communities. The 2024 theme aligns with three key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 8: Museums enhance local economies by generating employment and offering educational initiatives that uplift communities.
SDG 9: Through the promotion of creativity and adoption of new technologies, museums drive innovation and improve accessibility.
SDG 11: Museums foster sustainable urban development by serving as cultural centers that encourage inclusion, resilience, and heritage protection.
Headquartered in Paris, ICOM highlights that the purpose of IMD is to emphasize the vital role museums play in fostering cultural exchange, enriching cultural diversity, and promoting mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace among peoples. Held annually on 18 May, IMD was first commemorated four decades ago. Participation continues to grow, with over 37,000 museums from around 158 countries and territories taking part last year.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, museums stand at the forefront of transformation, adapting to shifting global dynamics and changing societal needs. This year’s IMD theme, The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities, calls on everyone to rethink the role of museums as vital agents of connection, innovation, and cultural preservation. Tied to the 27th ICOM General Conference in Dubai, the theme encourages deep reflection on how museums can protect intangible cultural heritage, engage youth, and embrace technological advancements. It signals a collective journey toward strengthening museums and empowering communities amid ongoing change.
Museums today go beyond simply conserving artifacts—they play an active role in building inclusive and sustainable communities. The 2024 theme aligns with three key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 8: Museums enhance local economies by generating employment and offering educational initiatives that uplift communities.
SDG 9: Through the promotion of creativity and adoption of new technologies, museums drive innovation and improve accessibility.
SDG 11: Museums foster sustainable urban development by serving as cultural centers that encourage inclusion, resilience, and heritage protection.