The International Council of Museums (ICOM) established International Museum Day in 1977 during its General Assembly in Moscow, aiming to unify the creative efforts of museums worldwide and draw public attention to their role. The date, 18 May, was chosen because it marks the anniversary of ICOM's own founding in 1946. Thousands of museums worldwide mark the occasion each year around a different theme reflecting contemporary issues, such as museums' role in addressing climate change, promoting social inclusion, or using digital technology to display collections. The most recent celebrations involved more than 37,000 museums across 158 countries and territories, making it one of the most widely observed cultural days globally. Museums typically open free of charge or at reduced prices on the day, offer special guided tours, and run educational workshops for children and families, alongside evening events and temporary exhibitions — echoing ICOM's founding message that museums are a vital means of cultural exchange that enriches mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace among peoples.