The theme for 2023 International Museum Day is ‘Museums, Sustainability and Wellbeing’. (Image: shutterstock)
International Museum Day 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the International Museum Expo 2023 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi on 18 May
International Museum Day 2023: International Museum Day is an annual celebration that highlights the importance of museums, which are vital institutions for cultural exchange and education. This global event, celebrated every year on 18 May, aims to raise awareness of the important role museums play in preserving and interpreting heritage around the world.
Museums serve as storehouses of knowledge, displaying diverse collections of art, artifacts, and historical treasures. They provide platforms for learning, exploration and dialogue, promoting an understanding and appreciation of different cultures and histories. International Museum Day encourages people around the world to visit museums, attend interactive exhibitions, and participate in a variety of activities that promote cultural enrichment and community engagement.
On the occasion of International Museum Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the International Museum Expo 2023 on May 18 at 10:30 am at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Tomorrow, May 18 at 10:30 am, I will inaugurate the International Museum Expo 2023. It is a great platform for the enthusiasts of culture, history and ways to popularize them among the generations to come. https://t.co/w9j1xkyBM2 https://t.co/mWAXvgxbamNarendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 17, 2023
International Museum Day 2023: Theme
The theme for 2023 International Museum Day is ‘Museums, Sustainability and Wellbeing’. Museums play an important role in promoting sustainable development within communities. As credible institutions, they have the potential to drive positive change by addressing climate action, promoting inclusivity, combating social isolation, and emphasizing mental health. By aligning their efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals, museums can make a significant contribution towards creating a better future.
International Museum Day 2023: History
International Museum Day was established in 1977 during the ICOM General Assembly in Moscow, Russia. The resolution aims to create an annual event that will unite museums and raise global awareness of their activities. It conveyed the message that museums are necessary for cultural exchange, mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among people.
In 1992, ICOM introduced the first theme for the event, focusing on ‘Museums and the Environment’. Five years later, the first official poster was launched, addressing the issue of combating illegal trade in cultural goods. With the increasing number of museums and the emphasis on diversity within unity, the event has steadily gained in popularity.
International Museum Day 2023: Significance
International Museum Day (IMD) holds significant significance for various reasons. First, it serves as a global platform for museums to raise awareness of their important roles in cultural conservation, education and intercultural dialogue. The day encourages museums to display their collections, engage audiences and promote collaboration with other cultural institutions. The day enhances the understanding of the social value of museums, emphasizing their contribution to collective social changes and innovations.