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International Museum Day

Explore the world on International Museum Day - take a virtual tour of amazing museums and learn about unique cultures around the globe!

Tuesday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMay 18

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYSchool

SUBCATEGORYLiteracy

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to celebrate the world's culture and heritage on International Museum Day on May 18! This day was created in 1977 as a way to emphasize the importance of museums in our society, and to allow people from all over the world to experience different cultures, histories, and art. It is celebrated annually in more than 120 countries with events such as museum tours and educational talks. So whether you're visiting your local museum or planning a trip abroad, make sure you take advantage of this special day and explore the world through the lens of a museum!

TIMELINE

International Museum Day Timeline

Establishment of Holiday

The International Council of Museums (ICOM) established International Museum Day to raise awareness about the importance of museums.

First Theme Injection

The ICOM begins the tradition of providing a theme for each year's celebration, with this year's being "Museum and Society".

Growing Participation

Over 70 countries participated in the International Museum Day, showcasing the increasing popularity of the event globally.

Online Presence

The official website for International Museum Day was launched, expanding the reach of the celebration through digital platforms.

Record High

A record-breaking 30,000 museums from over 120 countries participated in the event, marking a high point in the holiday's history.

Digital Celebrations

Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, many celebrations moved online, emphasizing virtual tours and digital exhibits.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Museum Day

Visit a museum

Visit your local museum and learn something new. Museums are full of fascinating history, art, and culture, so find out what's happening in your area and make a day of it.

ORGANIZE

Organize a museum tour

Choose a city or region and organize a museum tour for yourself and your friends. You'll get to explore different museums and discover more about the culture and history of the area.

PLAN

Plan a museum scavenger hunt

Plan a scavenger hunt at your local museum. Create clues that lead to different exhibits, artifacts, or paintings, as well as fun tasks or challenges that can be completed while in the museum. It's sure to be an exciting and interesting day.

ATTEND

Attend an art lecture

Many museums offer lectures on various topics related to their collections. Attend one of these lectures to learn more about the art and history of the area, and maybe even meet some interesting people.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a museum

Volunteer your time at a local museum and help out with daily operations or special projects. You'll get to meet new people and have an up close look at all the museum has to offer.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why International Museum Day is Important

Museums inspire creativity

Exploring museums can be an inspiring experience for all sorts of thinkers. From those who appreciate art and culture to those who relish in technological innovation, visiting a museum can spark new ideas and unleash creative potential. International Museum Day is an important global event that celebrates the role that museums play in society.

Museums promote education

Museums are a great way to learn more about different cultures, histories and artifacts. They play an important role in preserving the past and fostering cultural appreciation. Visiting museums can help foster a better understanding of our world, both present and past.

Museums provide job opportunities

Not only do museums host educational initiatives for people of all ages, but they also provide employment opportunities for professionals in the field. From curators and conservators to archivists and educators, museums employ professionals from many different backgrounds.

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