Preparations Underway for International Museum Day 2015

Every year since 1977, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) has organised International Museum Day, which represents a unique moment for the international museum community. On this day, participating museums plan creative events and activities related to the International Museum Day theme, engage with their public and highlight the importance of the role of museums as institutions that serve society and its development. The objective of International Museum Day 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.” Organised on and around 18 May each year, the events and activities planned to celebrate International Museum Day can last a day, a weekend or a whole week.

Each year’s International Museum Day theme is proposed by ICOM’s network and aims to promote museum issues within society. In 2015, the event will celebrate the theme: 'Museums for a Sustainable Society'. This theme recognises the role of museums in raising public awareness about the need for a society that is less wasteful, more cooperative and uses resources in a way that respects living systems. Bringing museums to the forefront of this model of a sustainable society, the International Museum Day theme aims to foster awareness among the whole society about the current consequences of human action in our planet and the absolute necessity of changing its economic and social model. International Museum Day 2015 will take place on 18 May. The ICOM website provides guidance to museums wishing to plan activities within this global event. In 2014, over 35,000 museums in 145 countries from all continents participated in International Museum Day. For additional information, visit http://network.icom.museum/international-museum-day/L/12/