It’s a true honor to speak with you on a day that celebrates our past, enlightens our present, and shapes our future — International Museum Day. Each year, on May 18th, the world comes together to recognize the powerful role museums play in society. They are not just buildings with artifacts — they are living institutions, full of history, ideas, and identity.
This day is led by the International Council of Museums (ICOM). Their vision is clear — museums must foster cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and cooperation among people. In a time when the world seems more divided, museums offer a rare space where we can unite over shared history and learn from diverse perspectives.
The theme for International Museum Day changes every year, but the mission stays constant — to highlight how museums contribute to sustainable development. Whether it’s preserving ancient manuscripts or curating interactive digital exhibits, museums constantly evolve to keep culture alive.
In India and across the globe, museums have always been places of wonder. From the grand corridors of the Indian Museum in Kolkata, to the intimate halls of rural folk museums — each one tells a unique story. These institutions preserve civilizations. They protect art, celebrate heritage, and educate generations.
But their importance often goes unnoticed. Think of museums as time machines. They don’t just show us what existed — they teach us why it mattered and how it still impacts us today. A simple coin in a glass box can reveal stories of trade, culture, and power that textbooks alone cannot tell.
Today, museums are becoming more accessible and innovative. Digital walkthroughs, augmented reality, and interactive storytelling are transforming the way people engage with history. This technological shift aligns beautifully with the vision behind National Technology Day, celebrated on May 11th, which honors scientific progress in India. When science and culture merge, they create lasting educational experiences.
Museums are not only about the past — they are active participants in shaping conversations about identity, justice, climate, and equality. Some host workshops on environmental awareness. Others curate exhibitions around social change or indigenous communities. Their influence stretches far beyond their walls.
In recent years, many museums have taken initiatives to connect with underrepresented voices. Exhibits now include stories from the margins — stories of women, tribal communities, migrants, and the differently abled. Inclusion has become the heart of curation, and rightly so.
Let’s also not forget the importance of education. Museums provide learning experiences for students outside the classroom. Children get to see fossils, sculptures, maps, and manuscripts — not in pictures, but up close. This type of learning sparks curiosity in a way no digital screen ever can.
During festive seasons, many of us visit museums to understand the deeper meaning behind celebrations. For example, during Buddha Purnima, museums often hold special exhibitions about Buddhist art and philosophy, helping people connect spiritually and historically. Such initiatives enrich our cultural literacy.
As we look forward to New Year 2026, let’s ask ourselves what legacy we want to preserve. Will future generations understand their roots, their heroes, their struggles? That depends on how well we support and promote our museums today.
Of course, museums face challenges. Many suffer from low funding, lack of digital infrastructure, or declining footfall. Some have been damaged by natural disasters or conflict. Yet, their mission remains unchanged — to safeguard knowledge and share it freely.
We must support our museums by visiting them, donating, volunteering, and most importantly, advocating for them. Encourage schools to organize museum tours. Suggest collaborations between museums and local artists. The more we engage, the more these institutions thrive.
Today is not just about acknowledging museums. It is about recognizing our collective responsibility to protect culture. In a fast-moving world, museums slow us down and make us reflect. They remind us of who we are, where we’ve come from, and how much we still have to learn.
In conclusion, International Museum Day is a celebration of memory, meaning, and momentum. Museums don’t just preserve the past — they prepare us for the future. They build bridges between generations and across borders.
So let’s celebrate this day with open minds and curious hearts. Let’s explore, learn, and share. Let’s make museums a part of our lives — not just today, but every day.
Thank you, and happy International Museum Day!