International Museum Day (IMD) is annually observed across the globe on May 18 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) to highlight the pivotal role of museums in fostering cultural exchange and promoting mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace among peoples.
2025 Theme:
i.The theme for IMD 2025 is “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.”
- The theme focuses on how museums can adapt to social, technological, and environmental shifts while preserving heritage.
The 2025 theme supports:
- SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Museums generate employment and empower communities through education.
- SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): By fostering creativity and embracing technological advancements, museums drive innovation and enhance accessibility.
- SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Museums act as cultural hubs promoting inclusion and heritage preservation.
Background:
i.IMD was officially established in 1977 through a resolution adopted during the ICOM General Assembly in Moscow, Russia.
- It aims to unify museums globally and highlight their contributions to societal development.
ii.Since its inception in 1977, ICOM has organized IMD annually, serving as a significant occasion for the global museum community.
iii.The practice of selecting an annual theme for IMD began in 1992, while the concept of an international poster was introduced by ICOM in 1997.
Note: In 2024, over 37,000 museums across 158 countries and territories joined the IMD event.
Crusade for Museums (1951):
Preceding IMD, ICOM organized the Crusade for Museums meeting in 1951, centered on “Museums and Education”.
- This event laid the groundwork for IMD by emphasizing museum accessibility and public engagement.
2025 IMD Poster Design:
The 2025 IMD poster is designed by TheLoveTriangle, an interdisciplinary scenography and exhibition design collective known for creating immersive spatial narratives. Their work aims to provoke dialogue and inspire action on museums’ evolving roles.
27th ICOM General Conference:
The 2025 IMD theme aligns with the forthcoming 27th ICOM General Conference scheduled in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), in November 2025, focusing on safeguarding intangible heritage, engaging youth, and embracing technological advancements.
India’s Museum Development Initiatives:
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture (MoC), Government of India (GoI), announced free entry to all its 3,698 protected monuments and 52 site museums on 18th May 2025, to encourage public engagement with the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
Notable Developments:
1.Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site Museum, New Delhi (Delhi):
Inaugurated on 29th July 2024, this is India’s first Underground Museum at a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site.
- Features artefacts from the Mughal era, offering immersive historical insights.
2. Archaeological Experiential Museum, Vadnagar, Gujarat:
Costing Rs. 212.10 crore, this 13,500 square meter (sq. m) museum near an 800 BC settlement site will showcase nine galleries on regional heritage, arts, and crafts.
3.Virtual Experiential Museum, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (UP):
Located at the Man Mahan Observatory, this museum uses Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) to recreate historical narratives of Varanasi.
4.Yuga Yugeen Bharat Rashtriya Sangrahalaya, New Delhi:
The world’s largest museum (1,55,000 sq m) is under development at North and South Blocks, Raisina Hill.
- India is collaborating with France Museums Development, the designated operator for the government of the French Republic, for its development.
Note: 26 ASI-managed sites are on UNESCO’s World Heritage List(WHL), including the Sarnath Museum (1910), India’s oldest archaeological museum.
About International Council of Museums (ICOM):
President – Emma Nardi (Italy)
Director General (DG) (interim) – Medea Sógor Ekner
Headquarters – Paris, France
Founded – 1946
