The celebrations are primarily organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Ministry of Culture, often in cooperation with UNESCO and the International Council of Museums.
This year, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities confirmed that Egyptians can enter public museums across different governorates free of charge on that day.
However, the decision excludes three major institutions: the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, which will continue to charge regular admission fees.
Museums participating in the initiative include several venues in Cairo, such as the Museum of Islamic Art, the Coptic Museum, the Mohamed Mahmoud Khalil Museum, the Naguib Mahfouz Museum, the Um Kulthoum Museum, the Alexandria National Museum, and the Luxor Museum, among others.
Beyond free entry, several museums organize temporary exhibitions and artefact displays, often showcasing newly restored pieces or themed presentations aligned with the annual ICOM theme.
Educational activities are also a key part of the programme, including workshops, guided tours, lectures, storytelling sessions, and activities for children and students, reflecting a growing focus on museums as spaces for community learning.
Cultural programming further incorporates music performances, craft demonstrations, film screenings, and discussions on archaeology, conservation, specific artefact collections, from antiquity to contemporary art, youth engagement, and interactive or digital experiences, in line with global museum trends.
International Museum Day
Organized annually on 18 May by the International Council of Museums, International Museum Day is a global initiative that highlights the cultural, educational, and social role of museums.
First established in 1977, the event brings together thousands of institutions worldwide to engage the public through exhibitions, activities, and outreach programmes.
Each year is centred on a specific theme reflecting current challenges in the museum sector, including accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement, reinforcing the idea of museums as dynamic spaces for dialogue, learning and cultural exchange.
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