International Museum Day 2020: Know the history and significance of the day

Team Udayavani, May 18, 2020, 9:38 AM IST

International Museum Day is observed every year on 18 May to raise awareness among people about the museums as an important means of cultural exchange.

History

In 1977, the International Museum Day was created by the International Council of Museums(ICOM)  Every year the organisation chooses a separate theme.

On this day, since 1977, every year all the museums of the world are invited to participate and promote the role of museums in the world by organising several activities.

This year’s theme is “Museums for Equality: Diversity and Inclusion”, The theme aims at becoming a rallying point to both celebrate the diversity of perspectives that make up the communities and personnel of museums, and champion tools for identifying and overcoming bias in what they display and the stories they tell.

It is said that on this day,  Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) across the country allow free entry to the general public in the museums.

Around 46 museums are managed by ASI out of them some are Archaeological Museum in Purana Qila, Swatantrata Sangram Sanghralaya, Swatantrata Senani Museum, Indian War Memorial Museum in Red Fort in Delhi etc. There will be a week long event to mark International Museum Day in 13 cities.

But this year, due to the global pandemic there may be no such events.