International Museum Day Events in Cape Town
Every year, 18 May is celebrated around the world as International Museum Day. In Cape Town, a number of museums are offering special events to mark the day.
What is International Museum Day?
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) established International Museum Day in 1977. It aims to bring awareness to museums’ ability to foster cultural exchange and cooperation.
This year’s theme is “The Power of Museums”. According to ICOM, the aim is to highlight how museums can effect positive change in three ways:
The power of achieving sustainability: Museums are strategic partners in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. As key actors in their local communities, they contribute to a wide variety of Goals, which include fostering short-circuit and social economy and disseminating scientific information on environmental challenges.
The power of innovating on digitalisation and accessibility: Museums have become innovative playing-grounds where new technologies can be developed and applied to everyday life. Digital innovation can make museums more accessible and engaging, helping audiences understand complex and nuanced concepts.
The power of community building through education: Through its collections and programmes, museums thread a social fabric that is essential in community building. By upholding democratic values and providing life-long learning opportunities to all, they contribute to shaping an informed and engaged civil society.
International Museum Day Events in Cape Town
Many museums in the country are celebrating the day with fun events and free entry. This is the perfect opportunity to visit your local museum and engage with heritage in your area. Museum-going even has a mental health benefit (that’s why we included it in our latest self-care box!). So, set some time aside to partake in some of these exciting International Museum Day events.
Iziko Museums Presents 3-Day Symposium
Iziko Museums has organised a symposium of International Museum Day events in Cape Town. From Tuesday till Thursday, the South African Museum in the Company’s Gardens will host lunchtime lectures. Social history, natural history and art history will all be on the agenda, with speakers discussing public participation, curation and preservation.
There is also an opportunity to explore the archaeology collection with guided tours at 10am, 12 noon and 2pm on Wednesday.
Additionally, Iziko is allowing free entry to its museums, excluding Groot Constantia and the Castle of Good Hope, and half-price entry to the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome.
- RSVP required.
Free Coffee at Zeitz MOCAA
African citizens can visit the Zeitz MOCAA for free every Wednesday between 10am and 1pm. In honour of International Museum Day, the museum is extending this until 2pm and giving free coffee to the first 100 visitors to the Ocular Lounge.
Night at the Norval Museum
The Norval Museum is staying open until 8 pm to give museum-goers the opportunity to experience the space at night. Free drinks will also be available.
Enjoy International Museum Day
The best way to enjoy International Museum Day is simply to explore your nearest museum, whether or not there is an event taking place. Capetonians are spoiled for choice when it comes to museums in the city: from art to archaeology, local institutions have something for everyone.
