The International Museum Day (IDM) is celebrated every year on May 18, an important date that seeks to highlight the importance of museums in the preservation and dissemination of culture. For this, you will have at your disposal, the entrance to all local, national and international museums totally free. This was announced by the Ministry of Culture. IWD was established in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), with the aim of raising awareness of the fundamental role of museums as cultural institutions. Since then, this celebration has gained global relevance, becoming an event of great importance in the cultural field.
Each year, the IWD proposes a theme to reflect on and analyze the role of museums in contemporary society. This theme, chosen by ICOM, guides the activities and events that take place in numerous museums around the world. These manifestations range from temporary exhibitions, workshops, conferences, guided tours and other activities that seek to bring the community closer to cultural heritage. This 2024 will be under the slogan “Museums for education and research”. The objective of International Museum Day (IMD) is to raise awareness of the fact that museums are an important medium for cultural exchange, the enrichment of cultures, as well as for the development of mutual understanding, collaboration and peace among peoples. Organized every May 18 or around that date for more than 40 years, the events and activities planned to celebrate IWD can last a day, a weekend or even a whole week. More and more museums around the world are taking part in this worldwide celebration: last year, 37,000 museums in 158 countries and territories took part in the event.
In this sense, the DIM is an opportunity to reflect on the role of museums in society and how they can innovate and reinvent themselves in an ever-changing world. It also emphasizes the importance of supporting and valuing these cultural institutions, whether through visits, donations or participation in activities. In conclusion, International Museum Day is an outstanding date in which the work of museums in the preservation and dissemination of culture is recognized and valued. This event invites us every time we visit a museum or participate in any of its activities, we will be contributing not only to its survival, but also to our own cultural enrichment.
