DHAKA, May 17, 2026 (BSS) - World Museum Day will be observed tomorrow across the globe, including Bangladesh, with due importance.

The day is observed every year on May 18 worldwide under the initiative of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) to highlight the role and significance of museums in preserving heritage and promoting knowledge exchange.

This year's theme is "Museums bringing the divided world together."

In Bangladesh, the National Museum will observe the day through various programmes, including a colourful rally, a seminar and special exhibitions.

As part of the programme, a discussion will be held at 10:00 am at the NEC Conference Centre in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

A rally will also be brought out from the Bangladesh National Museum at 10:00 am and will parade through different streets via the TSC area of Dhaka University before returning to the museum premises.

A special exhibition will be opened at 11:00 am, followed by a discussion and cultural programme at 11:30 am.

ICOM introduced World Museum Day in 1977 to promote international cooperation among museums and to highlight their contributions to cultural preservation and education.

There are around 103 museums in Bangladesh, operated under the Department of Archaeology, Bangladesh National Museum and various government and private organisations.