May 18th is the day we are invited to celebrate cultural heritage and the ever-present power of museums to connect us with our past, present, and future. International Museum Day, celebrated this year under the central theme “Museums and Societies in Constant Change”, opens the doors of museum spaces across Greece with free admission and a wide range of events, inviting people of all ages to explore the wealth of history and cultural heritage.
With this year’s theme, the ICOM (International Council of Museums) encourages us to reconsider the relationship between museums and society, and to think about new ways in which museums can evolve and strengthen their connection with the public, responding to continuous social and technological changes.
Museums: Social Pillars in a Changing Society
At the heart of this celebration is the idea that museums are not simply repositories of objects, but living organisms that contribute to strengthening social cohesion and cultivating cultural identity. Specifically, this year’s theme focuses on three key areas:
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Intangible Cultural Heritage
Museums are called upon to highlight intangible heritage as an integral part of cultural identity, fostering social cohesion and revitalizing communities. Through activities, storytelling, and workshops, visitors can experience traditional arts and practices, keeping cultural traditions alive. -
The Power of Youth
Engaging young people in museum activities is crucial to understanding the contemporary world. Museums are seeking innovative ways to collaborate with the younger generation, enhancing their participation and expanding the possibilities for new forms of expression through art and history. -
New Technologies
The utilization of new technologies offers opportunities for new forms of communication and expression, enhancing the visitor experience. From interactive exhibitions to smart apps and digital technologies, museums provide new ways to discover and interact with exhibits in unprecedented ways.
Featured Museum: Herakleidon Museum
This year, the Greek Branch of ICOM has selected the Herakleidon Museum as the honored museum for 2025, recognizing its outstanding contribution in merging science with art and innovation. The Herakleidon Museum, through its exhibits and activities, promotes knowledge and entertainment for all ages, showcasing the work of distinguished Greek and international artists as well as the history of ancient Greek sciences.
The central event of the celebration will take place at the Herakleidon Museum event hall on Sunday, May 18, 2024, at 19:00. Visitors will have the chance to participate in a series of tours and other events with free admission, experiencing a unique cultural journey.
Events Across Greece
The celebration of International Museum Day extends beyond Athens. Across Greece, museums and cultural institutions are offering exhibitions, thematic tours, workshops, and educational programs to honor this day.
Cycladic Art Museum
The Cycladic Art Museum will join the celebration with a series of activities for both children and adults, all with free admission. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the museum’s permanent collections and participate in activities such as basket weaving and weaving on a vertical loom. Additionally, they can enjoy storytelling sessions about the Cycladic culture and oral history, as well as screenings related to the museum’s Cycladic Identity Initiative, which focuses on preserving the cultural heritage of the Cyclades.
National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum will offer thematic tours led by expert archaeologists, such as “Cosmetics and Perfumes of the Mycenaean Period” and “The Neolithic Society: A New Perspective, New Museological Approach”. These tours provide a unique opportunity to rediscover ancient history through the lens of modern scholarship.
The Power of Cultural Heritage
International Museum Day serves as a reminder of the crucial role that museums play in our society. Through exhibitions, events, and continuous innovation, museums invite us to reevaluate our relationship with history, to participate in preserving and developing our cultural legacy, and to create a world that respects and recognizes the importance of our cultural heritage.
Don’t miss the chance to take part in the events of International Museum Day, explore new perspectives, and experience art and history in the most interactive way possible!
