ICOM celebrates its 80th Anniversary: Museums uniting a divided world

In 2026, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) celebrates its 80th Anniversary: eight decades of connecting museums, museum professionals and communities across the world.

Founded in 1946, ICOM has grown into a global network dedicated to protecting cultural heritage, advancing ethical and professional standards, and strengthening the role of museums in society. This milestone is an opportunity to honour ICOM's history, celebrate the strength of its international community, and reaffirm the essential role of museums as spaces for dialogue, trust, learning and cultural exchange.

Under the theme "Museums Uniting a Divided World," the Anniversary campaign highlights museums as bridges between people, cultures and generations. In a time marked by uncertainty and division, museums continue to foster mutual understanding, cooperation and hope, reminding us that culture is a universal language that connects people across borders, beliefs and histories.

To support the global museum community in joining the celebrations, ICOM has launched a dedicated Communication & PR toolkit. The toolkit provides ICOM 80 logo graphics in different colour ranges, as well as guidance, ideas and suggestions for celebrating the Anniversary. Members, committees and partners are invited to use these resources to organise events, share stories, highlight key moments from their own histories, and take part in digital and social media activations throughout the year.

EN ICOM 80 Toolkit by ICOM Communications

The toolkit also encourages National Committees, International Committees and Regional Alliances to share historical highlights, achievements, memories and milestones that have helped shape ICOM's global story. Public dialogue events, anniversary open days, exhibitions, educational activities, community initiatives and professional networking events are among the many ways the ICOM network can take part.

To mark the Anniversary, ICOM also invites the public and museum professionals worldwide to explore a dedicated Digital Exhibition.

Discover the Digital Exhibition

Through key moments, archival materials and stories from across the ICOM community, the exhibition retraces the history of the organisation from its founding in 1946 to its role today, highlighting how ICOM has grown, evolved and supported museums worldwide over the past 80 years.

ICOM invites its members, committees, partners and the wider museum community to celebrate this milestone together and to share their contributions online using #ICOM80 and #80YearsOfICOM, tagging @icomofficiel.

Together, let us celebrate 80 years of connecting museums, people and heritage - and look ahead to the future of museums as spaces of dialogue, understanding and connection.