A world without museums would be a sad one indeed - and the International Museum Day aims to prove just that. Held every year since 1978 by the International Community of Museums (ICOM), this event highlights the role museums play in "enriching society, promoting cultural exchange, and allowing for mutual understanding among peoples."

What can you expect at International Museum Day?

International Museum Day is celebrated by more than 35,000 museums in approximately 145 countries. 

In Germany, around 7.100 museums take part, with support from the President of the Federal Assembly. Usually, the day sees museums hosting special events, guided tours, workshops and talks, allowing visitors to discover the gems of their diverse collections and their cultural significance. Many museums offer discounted prices or grant free entry on this special day.

Theme of International Museum Day 2026

Each year, International Museum Day has a different focus. This topic usually illuminates various aspects of museum work and the thematic diversity of the museum landscape, while also addressing current issues.

This year's declared topic is: "Museums Uniting a Divided World". With this theme, the ICOM aims to promote the role of museums in fostering dialogue, inclusion and understanding to bridge social, cultural and political gaps. 

Attending International Museum Day

Head over to the official website of International Museum Day for an overview of all the museums participating in this event.