International Museum Day observed on 18 May 2026 with the theme Museums Uniting a Divided World

Key facts

• International Museum Day (IMD) is observed globally on 18 May every year to raise awareness about museums as a means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures, and development of mutual understanding.
• The theme for the year 2026 is Museums Uniting a Divided World, which will also guide the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the International Council of Museums (ICOM).
• The event was first observed in 1977 in Moscow following a resolution adopted by the ICOM General Assembly to integrate creative objectives and museum efforts.
• Since its inception in 1977, the day has seen participation from more than 37,000 museums across approximately 158 countries and territories.
• The Indian Museum in Kolkata, established in 1814, is the oldest museum in Asia and one of the largest, while the term museum is derived from the Greek word mouseion.