PHOTO: VCG

By Staff Reporters

International Museum Day (IMD), celebrated annually on May 18, is a key event for promoting museum culture and increasing people's awareness and appreciation of cultural heritage.

The International Council of Museums (ICOM) began organizing IMD from 1977. On this day every year, museums worldwide organize various activities so that people can experience the charm of these institutions.

China joined ICOM in 1983 and started to hold IMD events since then. This year, the main IMD event was held from May 17 to 19 at the Shaanxi History Museum in northwest China, themed "Museums for Education and Research." It showcased the latest achievements in China's museum development, emphasizing the role of museums in education and research.

The opening ceremony saw several key announcements, including the release of latest data on China's museum development, the unveiling of the fifth batch of national first-tier museums, and the accreditation of 20 National Revolutionary Cultural Relics Synergy Centers in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

An exhibition titled "Reading China in Museums" was also launched along with the announcement of the "Top 10 Exhibitions of National Museums."

The Shaanxi History Museum event also included the inauguration of the Qin and Han Civilization exhibition, a commemorative exhibition on the 10th anniversary of the Silk Road's successful UNESCO listing, and a museum night event.

Various museums and memorial halls across Shaanxi province also organized distinctive exhibitions, academic discussions, educational programs, and outreach activities. To enhance visitors' experience, many museums have integrated technology to offer engaging ways such as interactive exhibits, virtual tours, and digital learning platforms to explore cultural heritage.

Other provinces including Shandong, Henan, and Heilongjiang also hosted a series of events featuring science popularization. Some exhibited cultural heritage such as the tri-colored glazed pottery of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) in Quanzhou city, Fujian province.

IMD underscores museums' commitment to education and research, fostering cultural awareness, and enriching public engagement with heritage and knowledge through innovative technological initiatives.