International Museum Day

18 May 2018

Since 1977, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) has been advocating for a worldwide focus on the role of museums on 18 May each year. Its intention was to increase public awareness of the role of museums in the development of society, and it has been gaining momentum ever since.

Museums across the world have marked this day in different ways- through programmes, exhibitions, educational events and other activities. Lately, a number of events enacted in the digital space have added to the range of events. According to ICOM, 36 000 museums in 157 countries participated in International Museum Day activities in 2017.

This year’s theme being promoted by ICOM is ‘Hyperconnected museums: new approaches , new publics.’

‘Hyperconnectivity’ is a term invented in 2001 to design the multiple means of communication we have today, such as face-to-face contact, email, instant messaging, telephone or the Internet. This global network of connections becomes each day more complex, diverse and integrated. In the hyperconnected world of today, museums join the trend. This is the reason why the International Council of Museums (ICOM) has chosen the theme Hyperconnected museums: new approaches, new publics’ for International Museum Day 2018.

Have you been planning to visit the District Six Museum but have not yet gotten round to doing so? Do you have family and friends that you want to bring? International Museum Day is a good time to think of doing this.

The District Six Museum will be waiving entrance fees for all South Africans on International Museum Day which is on Friday 18 May. This offer will be extended to Saturday 19 May so as to accommodate those who have other commitments on weekdays. Do one of the following to access this benefit:

• Quote #internationalmuseumday

• Produce your ID document; or

• Answer a simple question that all South Africans should be able to answer!