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International Museum Day

Visit a local museum and learn about anything from art to ancient history to aerospace. Many museums also offer virtual tours online, if you can’t get out.

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Drive foot traffic and engagement to museums globally by promoting free/discounted entry and themed experiences tied to ICOM's annual cultural focus.

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Plan your museum day trip: discover hidden gems in your region
Free museum entry on International Museum Day—explore art, history, and science
This year's theme: [annual ICOM theme]—how museums are bridging cultures
Virtual museum tours for those who can't visit in person

History

The International Council of Museums (ICOM) created International Museum Day in 1977. The organization chooses a different theme for the day and coordinates every year. Some of the themes include globalization, indigenous peoples, bridging cultural gaps, and caring for the environment.

Every year since 1977, 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 become steadily more popular since its creation, with International Museum Day 2009 being participated in by 20,000 museums in over 90 countries. In 2012, the number of participating museums had jumped to 30,000 in 129 countries.

As the years have gone by, we have been blessed to live in a society where while technology seems to want to take over, there have been certain things that are now considered cool that were once reserved for a very target demographic.

While the numbers of participants were slowly climbing almost a decade ago, over the last five years, the numbers are climbing at an even more rapid rate. When we look at history, we may ask ourselves why, and the truth is simple: history is now something that is classed as cool.

Yes, we may live in a technology-driven society, but it seems that the more technology has reigned over the world, people have started to gravitate towards the things that connect them to a world they are scared of losing.

Today, there are more visitors to museums all over the world than ever before, and in addition, more people are now studying history at the degree level than at any other time in history.

Now, it may be possible that this is just a point where geek chic is in, and students want to seem more cultural and in touch with the world, but if we stop for a brief moment, could it not be possible that International Museum Day has played a small role in helping entire new generations fall in love with history once again?

The truth may, in fact, be both, but one thing we must remember is that While it may not be as popular as some days, International Museum Day is something that should be held in high importance.

The further we move forward, the more we leave behind, and with all of the things that are now long behind us, we need something to help us remember where we have been; that way, we can take the journey ahead of us with more confidence.

How to celebrate

Visit a Local Museum

There is no better way to celebrate International Museum Day than to take a trip down to a nearby museum, either alone, with friends, or even your children if you feel they are old enough to appreciate the place. Depending on where you live, the closest museums could be connected with anything from farming to fashion, astronomy to archaeology, or art to natural history.

Road Trip to a Museum

If it turns out that the museums in your immediate area are not ones that would interest you, maybe you could consider a day trip to a nearby city to visit a museum that is better suited to your interests? Carpooling with a friend or two will make the trip cheaper and very possibly more engaging. Another thing to think about is how well you tolerate crowds. International Museum Day is an increasingly popular worldwide event, so many of the larger and better-known museums will be crowded on this day, especially since many museums do not charge an entrance fee then.

Make Plans in Advance

If you do not feel like standing in long lines to see every single thing or having to maneuver your way through crowds of people, paying more attention to not stepping on anyone’s shoes than the objects on exhibition, you may want to visit the museum of your choice a few days before or after International Museum Day. On weekdays, museums are often quiet places where one can come to study our ancestors’ lifestyles and contemplate what motivated them to behave and develop as they did. However you decide to celebrate Museum day, don’t let this opportunity to find out about the history of the human race go to waste!

FAQ

Did museums exist in ancient times?

Yes, the concept of museums dates back thousands of years. The Ennigaldi-Nanna’s museum, established in 530 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia, is the earliest known museum. It housed artifacts from earlier civilizations, showcasing a deep interest in history even then.

What quirky museums are perfect for an unconventional celebration?

The Icelandic Phallological Museum houses the world’s largest collection of animal penises, while the Kansas Barbed Wire Museum explores the history of fencing. Visiting these on Museum Day adds a playful twist to traditional museum visits.

Are all museum pieces authentic?

Not always! Many museums use replicas to preserve original artifacts. For example, Tutankhamun’s treasures on display are often reproductions, with the originals kept safe due to their fragility.

How do some indigenous cultures use museums to preserve their heritage?

Museums in indigenous communities often combine education with activism. The U’mista Cultural Centre in Canada showcases potlatch treasures to tell stories of resilience and fight for cultural revival.

What’s a fun fact about museum security?

The Mona Lisa is protected by bulletproof glass, infrared sensors, and a team of guards. This level of security makes it nearly impossible to replicate heists seen in movies.

Why do some museums ban flash photography?

Flash photography can damage delicate artifacts over time. For example, ancient manuscripts and textiles are highly sensitive to light and may degrade with repeated exposure.

How do museums handle massive collections?

Most museums only display a fraction of their items. The British Museum stores millions of artifacts in off-site warehouses and rotates exhibits regularly.

What are some unusual ways museums celebrate Museum Day?

In Germany, some museums host “Night of Museums,” where visitors explore exhibits after dark. Live music, performances, and food stalls add to the unique experience.

Is there a museum you can visit entirely underwater?

Yes! The Museo Atlántico in Lanzarote features sculptures submerged in the ocean. Divers can explore the exhibits while surrounded by marine life.

What’s a common myth about museums?

Some think museums are all quiet, solemn places. However, interactive science centers like the Exploratorium in San Francisco prove they can be lively and hands-on for all ages.