PARIS.- International Museum Day was created in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM). Its aim is to make the general public aware of how important museums are in developing society.

Museums for social harmony
This year, the theme of International Museum Day is “Museums for social harmony”. Harmony is a concept significant for both Humanity and for representing Eastern cultures. The basis of social harmony lies in dialogue, tolerance, coexistence and development, based on pluralism, difference, competition and creativity. Fundamentally, social harmony is "to agree but to stand out, to look for common ground but keeping the difference."

An international event
From America to Oceania, through Europe, Asia and Africa, International Museum Day is a widely popular event. In 2009, it experienced record participation of almost 20,000 museums, who organized activities in more than 90 countries.

Regional partnerships
On Saturday 16 May, 2010, in Europe, the 6th edition of the European night of museums announced International Museum Day. In the US, the Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD) will take part in the International Museum Day, offering free or reduced-rate tickets in the 20,000 member museums in the US, Canada and Mexico.

From the most serious activities to the most fascinating
On and around 18 May, 2010, the global community of museums will celebrate International Museum Day and, as always, will exercise their imagination by organising discovery tours by day or night, fascinating visits, workshops and conferences for all ages. From national to local activities, the 2010 edition of International Museum Day promises to be a highly memorable day. Yoga sessions are being organised in some Spanish museums, Canada is preparing visits of interactive virtual rooms, and in Senegal, a theatre afternoon and many more events should not be missed!