International Museum Day in Hamburg
Every year, museums around the world open their doors in celebration of International Museum Day. Established in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), the day aims to raise awareness of the vital role museums play in society, serving as spaces for cultural exchange, education, and dialogue, and as guardians of our shared cultural heritage.
In Hamburg, museums and cultural venues across the city take part, offering a wide range of special events and activities for visitors of all ages.
A Day of Discovery
Participating museums present themselves as spaces for social and cultural exchange, with both in-person and online events. Alongside classic offerings such as guided tours and free admission, the programme typically includes creative workshops, behind-the-scenes tours, museum festivals, podcasts, and other special events. Across Germany, more than 7,100 museums take part each year.
Culture as Common Ground
Museums are far more than repositories of objects. Through their collections and educational programmes, they foster understanding, tolerance, and diversity, and provide a space for the kind of social discourse that helps societies look to the future. International Museum Day exists to celebrate exactly that.
2026 Edition
This year's International Museum Day takes place on 17 May 2026 under the theme 'Museums Uniting a Divided World'. The patron of the 2026 edition is Dr Andreas Bovenschulte, President of the Bundesrat.
For a full list of participating Hamburg museums and their programmes, visit the International Museum Day website.
Date: 17 May 2026
Location: Various museums and cultural venues across Hamburg
