International Museum Day 2025 explore the future of museums in rapidly changing communities

In one month on 18 May the International Museum Day will once again unite museums across the globe. The 2025 edition focuses on how museums are reimagining their roles to remain resilient and relevant in the face of rapid societal, technological, and environmental change.

Launched over 45 years ago by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), the global initiative International Museum Day highlights the vital role museums play in our societies. Today, amid unprecedented transformation, museums are no longer just custodians of heritage, they are active agents shaping the future. The 2025 theme invites museums to explore how they can adapt, lead, and thrive amidst these changes. It is a call to embrace new roles in our communities, to innovate, and to reaffirm the relevance of museums in a world in flux.

This year’s focus resonates with three key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing the idea that museums are essential for building sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking communities:

  • SDG 8: Museums support local economies by creating employment opportunities and offering educational programs that empower communities.
  • SDG 9: By fostering creativity and embracing technological advancements, museums drive innovation and enhance accessibility.
  • SDG 11: Museums contribute to sustainable urban development by acting as cultural hubs that promote inclusion, resilience, and heritage preservation.