Museum Night and Day

Every year on May 18, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) celebrates International Museum Day (IMD), a global event that highlights the transformative role of museums in society. In 2026, IMD will explore “Museums Uniting a Divided World,” focusing on how museums can act as bridges that overcome cultural, social, and geopolitical divides, fostering dialogue, understanding, inclusion, and peace within and between communities worldwide.

This year’s theme also guides the celebrations of ICOM’s 80th anniversary, marking a milestone in the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting museums and their role in society.

Museums as Catalysts for Connection

Museums are more than just repositories of heritage: they are trusted public spaces where people encounter stories, objects, and one another. In times of social fragmentation, polarization, and unequal access to knowledge and culture, museums help rebuild connections between generations, communities, and borders.

Rather than erasing differences, museums create the conditions for them to be understood and respected. By safeguarding heritage and memory, offering opportunities for learning and reflection, and providing welcoming spaces for diverse voices, museums foster dialogue, inclusion, and peace.

The exhibitions at Castillo de la Luz will remain open on Monday, May 18, during their usual hours with free admission, and on Saturday night, May 23, from closing time until midnight.