On International Museum Day, May 18, museums worldwide drew attention to our current societal challenges with special programs. This year's theme, "Museums – Bridge Builders in a Divided World," underscores the important role of museums as mediators between cultural, social, and geopolitical divides. In times of social fragmentation, polarization, and uncertainty, museums help to restore connections between generations, communities, and across borders. They create environments where stories, objects, and people come together, providing space for reflection, exchange, and shared understanding for an inclusive and diverse society and peaceful coexistence.
This understanding is also reflected in the new museum definition from ICOM, the largest international museum organization:
„"A museum is a non-profit, permanent institution serving society that researches, collects, preserves, interprets, and exhibits tangible and intangible heritage. Publicly accessible, barrier-free, and inclusive, museums promote diversity and sustainability. They work and communicate ethically, professionally, and participatively with communities. Museums enable diverse experiences in terms of education, enjoyment, reflection, and knowledge exchange."“
International Museum Day has been celebrated for 45 years, with a steadily growing number of participants who see themselves as having a social responsibility. Most recently, more than 37,000 museums from around 158 countries took part.
further information here