International Museum Day

International Museum Day is an event celebrated annually on May 18 since 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), aiming to promote museology and protect the world’s cultural heritage. In Türkiye, May 18 has been observed in coordination with ICOM since 1982, and the week of May 18–24 is celebrated as Museums Week with various events. The events organized around annually designated themes highlight the cultural, educational, and social roles of museums.

History

International Museum Day was initiated by ICOM in 1977. ICOM organized this day to emphasize that museums are important tools for cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures, mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace among people. Since 1977, the event has been celebrated annually on May 18 or around that date, ranging from a single day to a weekend or an entire week. As of 2023, more than 37,000 museums in 158 countries participated in this event.

In Türkiye, before 1982, the week of May 18–24 was celebrated as Museums Week. In 1982, with the directive of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism titled “Museums Week Celebration Guidelines,” May 18 was adopted as International Museum Day in alignment with UNESCO, while events continued throughout the week. ICOM selects a theme each year: in 2023, it was “Museums, Sustainability and Well-being”; in 2024, “Museums for Education and Research”; and in 2025, “Museums and the Future of Living Communities.”

Purpose and Scope

International Museum Day aims to promote the role of museums in preserving cultural heritage, educating society, and strengthening intercultural communication. Museums serve as bridges between the past and the future, contributing to both societal and individual well-being. Events aim to protect cultural assets, promote historical artifacts, and raise public awareness of history. Globally, exhibitions, conferences, workshops, music recitals, and guided tours are organized. In Türkiye, schools also conduct activities to enrich students' national culture and history knowledge and to encourage them to protect cultural heritage.

For the 2025 theme, ICOM emphasizes that museums contribute to local economies through employment and education (SDG 8), enhance accessibility by adopting technological innovations (SDG 9), and support sustainable urban development as cultural centers (SDG 11). The events offer opportunities for museums to strengthen ties with communities, increase cooperation with local governments, and gain international visibility.

Celebrations in Türkiye

In Türkiye, International Museum Day has been celebrated under the coordination of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism since 1982. On May 18, museums affiliated with the Ministry are open to visitors free of charge or host special events. During Museums Week (May 18–24), exhibitions, conferences, children’s workshops, music performances, and guided tours are held. For instance, in 2023, İzmir Archaeology Museum hosted a conference titled “A Study on İzmir Museum’s Glass Artifact Collection” and a mandolin recital; the Culture and Arts Factory featured a concert titled “Tangos and Waltzes,” a “Night at the Museum” event, and a harp recital. In 2024, museums remained open until 9:00 PM.

Museums Week is supported in schools through museum visits and informational activities.Museums in cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Şanlıurfa, and Çanakkale play a prominent role during these events. Institutions like Istanbul Archaeology Museums, Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and İzmir Museum of Painting and Sculpture organize thematic exhibitions and educational programs.

Events and Themes

International Museum Day events are shaped around themes determined by ICOM. The 2023 theme, “Museums, Sustainability and Well-being,” addressed museums’ contributions to environmental awareness and social welfare. The 2024 theme, “Museums for Education and Research,” highlighted the role of museums as centers for education and scientific research. The 2025 theme, “Museums and the Future of Living Communities,” will explore how museums adapt to social change, technology, and the energy of youth.

In Türkiye, the events are supported by exhibitions, talks, and workshops aligned with the themes. In 2023, an Atatürk and Youth Event was held in İzmir; in 2024, night visits were organized in museums affiliated with the Ministry. As part of the European Museum Night, museums are open to the public free of charge in the evening. Museums collaborate with local governments, schools, and non-governmental organizations to expand access to the events.

Museum and Museology Concept

Museums are institutions that collect, preserve, and exhibit cultural heritage. Museology in Türkiye began in 1846 with the establishment of the first museum in the Hagia Irene Church by Ahmet Fethi Pasha. During the Ottoman period, the Istanbul Archaeology Museum (1891) and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (1914) were founded; in the Republican era, Topkapı Palace Museum (1924) and the Ethnography Museum (1928) were opened. Museums are categorized into archaeology, ethnography, art, toys, Islamic artifacts, painting, and sculpture. Artifacts unearthed from archaeological excavations form the collections of museums. Today, almost every province in Türkiye has a museum.