International Museum Day is an annual event that aims to raise public awareness of museums. As invaluable repositories of artistic, cultural, historical, traditional and fascinating artefacts, museums offer a wealth of knowledge and insight. They play a vital role in educating people about their nation's art, architecture, culture, history and civilisation. Many artefacts housed in museums are open to the public, providing valuable insights into the lifestyles, tools and creations of ancient civilisations. As a result, museums are often seen as repositories of history. On International Museum Day, we celebrate their dedication to science by providing a platform for exploration and the exchange of innovative ideas. From date to history, scroll down to learn more about this day.
International Museum Day 2024 date and theme
International Museum Day is celebrated every year on May 18, and this year it falls on Saturday. The event focuses on a different theme each year, reflecting relevant topics or challenges encountered by museums globally. The theme for this year, "Museums for Education and Research," emphasises the crucial role of cultural institutions in delivering a comprehensive educational experience.
History of International Museum Day
The inaugural International Museum Day was organised in 1977 by ICOM, following the adoption of a resolution aimed at creating an annual event to unite the creative efforts of museums and raise global awareness about their activities. Since then, museums worldwide have been invited to participate in IMD each year, promoting their role through events and activities aligned with the annual theme. The tradition of adopting an annual theme began in 1992, with the introduction of an international poster by ICOM in 1997, which was embraced by 28 countries that year.
Over the years, IMD has seen significant growth in participation, with 20,000 museums across more than 90 countries taking part in 2009, followed by 98 countries in 2010, 100 countries in 2011, and a remarkable 30,000 museums in 129 countries in 2012. By 2011, the official IMD poster had been translated into 37 languages, and by 2014, participation had surged to 35,000 museums from 140 countries.
Significance of International Museum Day
The establishment of International Museum Day by the International Council of Museums aims to unite museums globally and emphasise their significant role in raising awareness, fostering understanding, and promoting the appreciation of diverse cultures. To commemorate this occasion, you can visit museums in your area and actively engage in the events organised by these institutions.
International Museum Day 2024: Quotes
“History is representational, while time is abstract; both of these artifices may be found in museums, where they span everybody’s own vacancy”: Robert Smithson
“Museums should be places where you raise questions, not just show stuff”: William Thorsell
“Real museums are places where Time is transformed into Space.”: Orhan Pamuk
“A visit to a museum is a search for beauty, truth, and meaning in our lives. Go to museums as often as you can.”: Maira Kalman
“Museums are fine institutions, dedicated to the high values of preservation, education and truth; collectively, their growth in numbers points to the imaginative death of this country”: Robert Hewison
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International Museum Day 2024: Movies That Feature Museums
Museums have been featured in many films, serving as backdrops in several movies. Here is a list of movies that feature museums.
Museo (2018)
Based on a 1985 heist, two thieves steal 124 artefacts from Mexico City’s National Museum of Anthropology. It has been, to date, the largest heist in Mexico’s history.
Manhattan (1979)
Filmed at various iconic locations across Manhattan, this movie captures the essence of the protagonist’s life. The movie prominently features museums such as the Guggenheim, Museum of Natural History, MoMA, and the Hayden Planetarium.
Night at the Museum (2006)
All three original Night at the Museum films are set in different museums. The central theme remains the same: Larry Daley, a night watchman, discovers that the exhibits come to life after dark.
The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
Thomas Crown, a wealthy multi-millionaire, seeks excitement by stealing valuable artwork from museums. In this film, the protagonist steals a Monet painting from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)
A student decides to skip school once again to enjoy a day in Chicago with his girlfriend, Sloane, and best friend, Cameron.The most iconic scene takes place at the Art Institute of Chicago where the trio enters the museum via its iconic exterior steps and admires paintings.
Dhoom 2 (2006)
A thrilling heist movie where the thief, Aryan, disguises himself and steals valuable artifacts from a museum in Mumbai. The robbery scene and the chase after that are the high points of the Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan starrer.
Lingaa (2014)
The protagonist, Lingaa, played Rajinikanth, infiltrates a heavily guarded museum to steal a valuable necklace. The movie is appreciated for the meticulous planning sequence and execution portrayal.
Sherni (2021)
In this drama, the museum scenes highlight the protagonist’s research on wildlife conservation. The former forest officer (Vidya Balan) now focuses on historical exhibits and artifacts related to the natural world.
