In 1978, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) designated
18 May of every year as International Museum Day (IMD) in an effort to heighten the public"s awareness of the important role that museums play in the community.
Theme for International Museum Day 2007This year, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) announced "
Museums and Universal Heritage" as the theme, to be celebrated the week of Friday, 18th of May in museums throughout the world.
The message for International Museum Day is pertinent: "We are all responsible for universal heritage". Alissandra Cummins , President of ICOM explains:" This year, more than ever, we need to raise consciousness about the role of museums in teaching individual and collective responsibility for global heritage."
For ICOM, universal heritage means both natural and cultural heritage, the tangible objects that make up collections as well as the intangible discourses, knowledge, and creative expressions that accompany these. In short, ICOM"s answer to globalization is encouraging a new universal responsibility for heritage in all its culturally diverse expressions.
Further information:
http://icom.museum/imd.html