International Museum Day, an annual celebration coordinated by the International Council of Museums, is observed on May 18 every year.
The day intends to make people realise the importance of museums in the wholesome development of our society. Although the main objective of International Museum Day (IMD) is to raise awareness of the fact that, “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.”
History of International Museum Day:
Since its creation in 1977 International Museum Day has gained increasing attention. Every year the organisation chooses a separate theme. All of the museums in the world are invited to participate in this day to promote the role of museums around the world, by organizing enjoyable and free activities around the year’s theme.
International Museum Day has popularised gradually over the years. In 2009, 20,000 museums in over 90 countries participated in the events conducted. In 2012, the number of participating museums had jumped to 30,000 in 129 countries.
Theme of International Museum Day 2020:
This year’s theme is “Museums for Equality: Diversity and Inclusion”, The theme aims at becoming a rallying point to both celebrate the diversity of perspectives that make up the communities and personnel of museums, and champion tools for identifying and overcoming bias in what they display and the stories they tell.
By choosing this topic, ICOM(International Council of Museums) stresses the potential of museums to create meaningful experiences for peoples of all origins and backgrounds, which is central to their social value. As agents of change and trusted institutions, there is no time like the present for museums to demonstrate their relevance by engaging constructively in the political, social, and cultural realities of modern society.
Celebrations of International Museum Day:
The best way to celebrate this day is to visit a nearby museum with family and friends. But as per the situation this year, the day can be celebrated by watching videos and reading books regarding the same.
International Museum Day and India:
It is said that on this day, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) across the country allows free entry to the general public in the museums.
Around 46 museums are managed by ASI out of them some are Archaeological Museum in Purana Qila, Swatantrata Sangram Sanghralaya, Swatantrata Senani Museum, Indian War Memorial Museum in Red Fort in Delhi, etc. There will be a week-long event to mark International Museum Day in 13 cities.
Unfortunately, there would be no such events this year due to coronavirus pandemic.
International Day of Families 2020: Quotes and wishes to share with your families on social media
International Museum Day: List of themes
- 2020: Museums for Equality: Diversity and Inclusion
- 2019 – Museums as Cultural Hubs: The Future of Tradition
- 2018 – Hyperconnected museum: New approaches, new publics
- 2017 – Museums and Contested Histories: Saying the unspeakable in museums
- 2016 – Museums and Cultural Landscapes
- 2015 – Museums for a Sustainable Society
- 2014 – Museum collections make connections
- 2013 – Museums (memory + creativity = social change)
- 2012 – Museums in a changing world. New challenges, new inspirations
- 2011 – Museum and memory
- 2010 – Museums for social harmony
- 2009 – Museums and tourism
- 2008 – Museums as agents of social change and development
- 2007 – Museums and universal heritage
- 2006 – Museums and young people
- 2005 – Museums bridging cultures
- 2004 – Museums and intangible heritage (Intangible cultural heritage)
- 2003 – Museums and friends
- 2002 – Museums and globalisation
- 2001 – Museums: building community
- 2000 – Museums for peace and harmony in society
- 1999 – Pleasures of discovery
- 1998–1997 – The fight against illicit traffic of cultural property
- 1996 – Collecting today for tomorrow
- 1995 – Response and responsibility
- 1994 – Behind the scenes in museums
- 1993 – Museums and indigenous peoples
- 1992 – Museums and environment
