Dear colleagues, members and friends of the museum community,

Ever since 1977, ICOM has organised The International Museum Day on May 18. This day is a wonderful opportunity to harmonise all members in a global symphony played in very diverse ways.

The theme that was chosen at the ICOM General Assembly for IMD 2024 is Museums for Education and Research! For me, education has been the core topic and field of expertise for all my life. Research is an activity that investigates the aspects of our life and finds new ways to improve and enhance educational activity.

For me,

education is culture

education is reading

education is enlightenment

education is transformation

education is dignity

education is equality

education is inclusion

education is solidarity

education is life!

As the ICOM new museum definition emphasises: Museums are important educational hubs. In collaboration with schools and universities, museums can offer a variety of different opportunities both for children, young and mature people. We have multiple examples that show how museums can make a big difference when they work with their communities on education and research topics – like you are doing this month for the International Museum Day 2024!

The digital interactive map allows you to see IMD events from museums all over the world, and shows how our community is creative, full of imagination and rich in new ideas! Also, everyone at ICOM is looking forward to seeing how you will celebrate International Museum Day through the power of social media!

As President of The International Council of Museums, I feel honoured to be the conductor of the great and diverse orchestra made from the voices of thousands of passionate ICOM members.

Congratulations, and…

Happy International Museum Day!

Emma Nardi, ICOM President

Hits: 33