In a press release sent out today, the Municipality of Athens announced a week-long event schedule surrounding May 18th, which is International Museum Day. Starting this Thursday, May 14th all the way through Friday, May 22nd, the Municipality has arranged cultural activities suitable for students, children and any citizen wanting to participate.

Mayor Harris Doukas confirms that all museums and cultural centers within Athens will offer free entry on May 18th, as well as free-of-charge educational activities. “We continuously enhance access to culture and create experiences that bring the city and its people together.” the mayor further underlines.

‘Museums uniting a divided world’

The International Council of Museums, the key organizing committee for each International Museum Day, has chosen this year’s theme to “highlight the potential of museums to act as cultural bridges” between nations. “As places of learning, museums contribute to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. ” as the theme is described within ICOM’s official website.

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In addition to the overarching theme, ICOM partners with UN Sustainable Development Goals annually to align their theme with 3 UN goals. This year’s chosen goals are:

  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: Reduce inequality within and among countries
  • SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions: Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals: Revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development

Participating countries are invited to use these guidelines and contribute to the yearly event schedule worldwide.

Highlighted activities in Athens

  • Friday, May 14th: The Infant and Preschool Library of the City of Athens is organizing an activity for children aged 4–6, titled “Little Explorers on the Paths of Museums!”. For a little while, we become “guards” and “explorers” of treasures!
  • Saturday, May 15th to Wednesday, May 20th: The Athens Municipal Library is hosting an exhibition of rare archival materials from its collections (rare books, newspapers, and magazines).Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 09:00–17:00, Wednesday and Thursday 11:00–19:00.
  • Sunday, May 17th: Maria Callas Museum is offering free entry for all (10:00-19:00), in the spirit of International Museum Day