Rotterdam to Host the 28th ICOM General Conference in 2028

The Advisory Council of ICOM has elected Rotterdam, the Netherlands,as the host city of the 28th ICOM General Conference, which will take place in 2028.

Every three years, the international museum community gathers for the ICOM General Conference, the largest and most influential global meeting of museum professionals. Since its first edition in 1948, the General Conference has become a renowned platform for dialogue, exchange, and the development of innovative solutions to the challenges museums face today.

During the 99th session of the ICOM Advisory Council, held on 11 November 2025 as part of the ICOM General Conference in Dubai, members voted to select Rotterdam as the next host city. ICOM Netherlands presented the winning bid under the theme "Building Bridges. Connecting Worlds, Cultures, and Generations."

ICOM Netherlands is very proud to host the General Conference in 2028. We are ready to welcome our colleagues from all over the world in the city of Rotterdam: a city full of diversity, history, innovative museums and … bridges! We feel museums are platforms to connect, to build bridges between worlds, cultures and generations. We look forward to welcoming you in Rotterdam in 2028. Let's build bridges together!

Caroline Breunesse, Chair ICOM Netherlands

Bridge builders reduce distances and create new ways forward. They connect, listen, and seek shared solutions. In an age marked by climate change, digital transformation, social polarisation, and growing inequality, museums have an essential role to play as bridge builders by linking people, perspectives, and communities.

The ICOM General Conference 2028 will explore how museums can actively engage in dialogue, act as catalysts for inclusion and sustainability, and respond to the challenges of our times through collaboration and creativity.

ICOM Netherlands, one of ICOM's oldest National Committees, has a long history of engagement with the international museum community. Established in 1947, it previously hosted two General Conferences in The Hague, in 1962 and 1989, and has been a consistent contributor to ICOM's global dialogue.

In 2028, ICOM Netherlands will welcome the world to Rotterdam-a dynamic, forward-looking metropolis known for its maritime heritage, cultural diversity, and spirit of innovation. Home to one of the largest ports in the world and more than 170 nationalities, Rotterdam embodies ICOM's international and intercultural mission.

By bringing the international museum community to Rotterdam, ICOM continues its mission to connect and represent museum professionals from all over the world. The 2028 General Conference will build on the momentum of ICOM Dubai 2025 and mark an important milestone for the organization, as it will host the presentation and adoption of ICOM's next Strategic Plan 2028-2034.

Developed by the ICOM Strategic Plan Committee (SPC), this plan will guide the organization's priorities for the next six years and support the implementation and monitoring of its key objectives across ICOM's network.

Read more about ICOM General Conferences

Explore ICOM Dubai 2025

© Iris van der Broek