Museums preserve the treasures of human history, art, science and nature. International Museum Day, on May 18, celebrates museums and the role they play in education, culture and community. Each year, thousands of museums in many countries take part with special events, free admission or behind-the-scenes tours. It's a great day to visit a museum, whether a world-famous institution or a small local history museum.
History of International Museum Day
Collections of valuable objects date back to ancient times, but the first public museums opened in the 1600s and 1700s. The Ashmolean Museum at Oxford University opened in 1683 and is often considered the first public museum. The British Museum opened in 1759, and the Louvre in Paris opened to the public in 1793.
In the United States, the Charleston Museum, founded in 1773 in South Carolina, is often called America's first museum. The Smithsonian Institution was established in 1846 and now operates many museums and research centers.
The International Council of Museums (ICOM), founded in 1946, created International Museum Day in 1977 to raise awareness of museums' importance. Each year has a theme, focusing on topics such as sustainability, education and community.
Why International Museum Day Matters
Museums help people learn about history, art, science and other cultures in hands-on ways.
They preserve artifacts and stories for future generations.
Museums are also community spaces, offering programs for children, seniors and families. Many offer free admission days or online collections, making them accessible to everyone.
Museums also support research. Scientists study specimens in natural history collections to track changes in species and climate, and historians use archives to uncover forgotten stories. Behind the galleries, conservators work to protect fragile objects so that future generations can enjoy them. Visiting a museum supports all of this work, often in ways visitors never see.
How to Celebrate International Museum Day
- Visit a museum: explore a local museum or a famous one.
- Take a virtual tour: many museums offer online exhibits.
- Become a member: support a museum with a membership.
- Volunteer: help as a docent or at events.
- Create a home museum: display family treasures with labels.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, consider a team outing to a museum or share links to virtual exhibits; some companies sponsor museum memberships for employees. In classrooms, students can take a virtual field trip, create a classroom museum of artifacts, or research a museum object and present it. At home, families can visit a museum, create a family history museum with photos and heirlooms, or explore online collections together. Check if local museums offer free entry on International Museum Day.
Fun Facts About International Museum Day
- The Ashmolean Museum opened in 1683.
- The Charleston Museum was founded in 1773.
- ICOM created International Museum Day in 1977.
International Museum Day FAQs
When is International Museum Day?
International Museum Day is May 18.
Who organizes International Museum Day?
The International Council of Museums (ICOM).
What was the first public museum?
The Ashmolean Museum, opened in 1683, is often considered the first.
What is America's first museum?
The Charleston Museum, founded in 1773.