International Museum Day 2026: Museums Uniting a Divided World

On 18 May 2026, museums worldwide will mark International Museum Day under the theme �Museums Uniting a Divided World�. The theme highlights the potential of museums to act as bridges across cultural, social, and geopolitical divides, fostering dialogue, understanding, inclusion and peace within and between communities worldwide.

INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY 2026 THEME

As places of learning, museums contribute to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. For International Museum Day 2026 this May, we invite you to join us in highlighting the theme Museums uniting a divided world. This theme will also guide the celebrations of ICOM�s 80th anniversary throughout the year.

Museums are trusted public spaces where people encounter stories, objects and one another. In times of social fragmentation, polarisation, and unequal access to knowledge and culture, museums help rebuild connection across generations, across communities, and across borders, fostering dialogue, understanding, inclusion, and peace within and between communities worldwide.

The theme �Museums Uniting a Divided World� highlights the potential of museums to act as bridges across cultural, social, and geopolitical divides, fostering dialogue, understanding, and peace within and between communities worldwide. Museums do not erase differences but create conditions in which differences can be understood and handled with respect: by safeguarding heritage and memory, offering learning and reflection, and providing welcoming spaces where diverse voices can be heard. Open and accessible, museums foster diversity and sustainability.

Through International Museum Day, ICOM has been supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since 2020 and promotes a set of goals annually. This year�s theme aligns with the following three goals:

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: Reduce inequality within and among countries
• SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals: Revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development

ICOM invites all members of the international museum community to participate in International Museum Day 2026 and translate the theme into locally meaningful action, including participatory programming, partnerships, and accessible experiences that strengthen belonging and trust. ICOM looks forward to highlighting International Museum Day with you and your connected museum.

(Source: ICOM - China)