Internationale Museumdag / Week van de Belgische Musea
Week van de Belgische Musea met als hoogtepunt de Internationale Museumdag op 18 mei rond het thema Musea verbinden een verdeelde wereld.
Position museums as bridges for cultural unity and social cohesion during International Museum Week, driving foot traffic and community engagement through themed programming.
- Behind-the-scenes museum stories celebrating how art heals division
- Free or discounted entry promotions tied to the 'Museums Connect a Divided World' theme
- User-generated content campaign: visitors share how museums unite their communities
- Educational partnerships highlighting museum programs for schools and families
The Internationale Museumdag (International Museum Day) forms the highlight of the Week van de Belgische Musea, organized by Museumpass from 17 to 24 May . The 2026 theme is "Musea verbinden een verdeelde wereld" (Museums Uniting a Divided World) . From 17 to 24 May, art lovers and the curious can participate in more than 100 activities . The week features guided tours, nocturnes, workshops, concerts and celebrations . Museums in Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels open their doors for behind-the-scenes guided tours, nocturnes and workshops The Week is not just about looking—during the Week van de Belgische Musea from 17 to 24 May, you can do much more than merely view The "Museumstuk van het jaar" (Museum Object of the Year) is awarded at the end of the week, with voting open until 24 May Family activities range from archery to chasing bees, scanning paintings to building towers Special events include food markets with local artisan products, bread oven demonstrations, giant games, garden tours and jazz concerts Museum pass holders receive special "Entree voor twee" (Entry for Two) promotion on 18 May to bring someone free to a museum
Sunday 17 May
Week opens. Abby Kortrijk hosts opening celebrations with yoga, pottery workshops, and interactive performances. Middelheimmuseum (Antwerp) celebrates 75 years with free activities: yoga, drawing studios, performances, guided tours, food trucks.
Monday 18 May (International Museum Day)
International Museum Day celebration. National museums extend hours. Museum pass holders get free "Entry for Two" promotion. Gent Industriemuseum celebrates 50 years with free cake for pass holders. Family days at palace museums.
Tuesday–Friday (19–22 May)
Nocturnes (evening openings) at participating museums. National Bank museum opens 5–10 pm on Thursday 21 May. Pottery workshops, art sessions, behind-the-scenes tours. Food events and music performances across venues.
Saturday 23 May
Brussels Museum of Mill & Food (Evere) hosts "Evere Food" market with local artisan products, bread oven demonstrations, giant games, garden tours, jazz concerts. Multiple museums extend hours for special workshops.
Sunday 24 May (Closing)
Grand finale at KMSKA (Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp). All-day celebration with live music, "KunstKrakers" exhibition on child scale, Imagination Playground with giant foam blocks. "Museum Object of the Year" winner announced via Studio Brussel live broadcast.