International Museum Day Date in the current year: May 18, 2024

International Museum Day was created in 1977 by the International Council of Museums, that still coordinates the holiday. This organization is committed to promotion and protection of natural and cultural heritage, it fights illicit trafficking and assists museums in emergency situations.

During the years of celebration the holiday gained increasing attention. As of 2012, International Museum Day was observed in 129 countries. The holiday involved participation of 30,000 museums, and the official International Museum Day poster was translated to 38 languages.

Every year the International Council of Museums chooses a theme for celebration and sponsors contests among people. Such contests encourage people visit museums and remind them about the role, that museums play in the development of modern society on international level.