Today, 18 May, is International Museum Day, a special day to celebrate the importance of museums in our culture and society. Museums are places where we can learn about history, science, art and culture from around the world. They are also places where we can connect with our heritage and identity and value their role in preserving, disseminating cultural heritage and contributing to the enrichment of our lives.
National Museum Day was established in 1977 with the aim of promoting awareness of the importance of museums and encouraging active community participation in their activities, a date chosen by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).
Each year, International Museum Day focuses on a specific theme to promote reflection and dialogue about museums and their role in society. On this occasion, the theme is “Museums, Sustainability and Well-being”, in addition they support a set of objectives and this year they focus on:
- Goal 3 Global health and well-being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, including mental health and social isolation.
- Goal 13 Climate action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, adopting low-carbon practices in the Global North and mitigation strategies in the Global South.
- Goal 15 Life on Land: Protect, restore and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, amplifying the voices of indigenous leaders and raising awareness of biodiversity loss.
On this day, many museum institutions offer special free activities for people to explore and learn more about their collection. In some countries, there is even a whole week dedicated to museums.
In this section, we will dive into the programming that some of the most outstanding museums in Madrid have:
Archaeological Museum
Free admission from 9:30 to 20:00.
Prado Museum
Free admission from 10:00 to 20:00.
Reina Sofia Museum
Free admission throughout the day.
Railway Museum
Free admission from 9:30 to 19:30.
Lázaro Galdiano Museum
Free admission from 16:30 to 19:30.
Museums are not only institutions that exhibit objects and works of art, but also play a crucial role in education, research and the promotion of intercultural dialogue.
It is important to remember that these spaces are true cultural treasures that deserve to be valued and appreciated.
It is a day to explore and learn more about our heritage and identity. Whether you visit a museum in person or online, be sure to enjoy this celebration and share your experiences with others.
Happy International Museum Day!
