International Council of Museums

International Council of Museums
Name	International Council of Museums
Founded	16 November 1946
Location	Paris, France
Key people	Emma Nardi (President)
Website	https://icom.museum

International Council of Museums. The International Council of Museums is a non-governmental organization dedicated to the research, conservation, continuation, and communication to society of the world's natural and cultural heritage, present and future, tangible and intangible. Established in the aftermath of World War II, it serves as a global network of museum professionals and institutions, providing a platform for dialogue and setting ethical and professional standards. With formal relations with UNESCO and consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, it plays a significant role in global cultural policy and heritage protection.

History

The organization was formally established on 16 November 1946, following a conference convened by Chauncey J. Hamlin in Mexico City, with its first headquarters later established in Paris. Its creation was driven by a post-war desire to rebuild cultural institutions and foster international cooperation, with early support from figures like Georges Salles of the Musée du Louvre. A pivotal moment in its development was the creation of the ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums in 1986, which provided a foundational ethical framework for the global museum community. Throughout its history, it has organized triennial general conferences in cities like Kyoto, Seoul, and Milan, and has expanded its focus to address contemporary issues such as digital heritage and the protection of cultural property in conflict zones.

Mission and objectives

Its core mission is to promote and protect natural and cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, through the operation and development of museums worldwide. Key objectives include advancing museum professional standards, fighting against the illicit trafficking of cultural property, and fostering cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue. It also aims to support museums in their role as centers for education and social development, and to address urgent global challenges such as climate change and social inclusion through the lens of cultural heritage. These goals are pursued through advocacy, research, capacity-building, and the dissemination of knowledge across its international network.

Governance and structure

The supreme governing body is the General Assembly, which meets every three years during the ICOM General Conference. Day-to-day governance is managed by an Executive Board, elected by the membership and led by a President, currently Emma Nardi. The secretariat, headquartered in Paris, implements the strategic decisions and manages global operations. The structure is decentralized into National Committees in over 130 countries, such as ICOM Deutschland and ICOM United States, and over 30 International Committees dedicated to specific museum types or disciplines, like ICOMOS (though a separate entity, often partnered with) and ICOM-CC (Conservation Committee).

Key programs and initiatives

A flagship program is the International Museum Day, celebrated annually on 18 May to raise public awareness about the role of museums. Another critical initiative is the Red Lists Database, developed in partnership with institutions like the INTERPOL, which identifies categories of archaeological objects and works of art at risk of illicit trafficking in specific regions. The organization also runs the ICOM-ITC (International Training Centre for Museum Studies) in collaboration with the National Museum of China. Furthermore, its ongoing work to revise and promote the ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums remains a central program guiding professional conduct globally.

Membership and committees

Membership is composed of individual museum professionals, institutions, and corporate partners, organized primarily through National Committees. The network of International Committees, such as ICOM-DEMHIST (historic house museums) and ICOM-MPR (marketing and public relations), allows for specialized exchange and development of best practices. Affiliated organizations, including The World Museum Community and regional alliances like the African Heritage Protection Initiative, work in concert with its broader goals. Membership provides access to publications like the journal *ICOM News*, professional development resources, and a voice in the global cultural dialogue.

Controversies and criticism

The organization faced significant international controversy in 2019 during the process to redefine the very definition of a "museum," with a proposed version emphasizing social justice and inclusivity that was rejected by a substantial portion of its membership, leading to a highly publicized debate at the ICOM General Conference in Kyoto. It has also been critiqued for perceived bureaucratic inefficiencies and a governance structure that some members feel inadequately represents the diverse economic realities of museums in the Global South. Furthermore, its stance and actions regarding the restitution of cultural property and dealings with institutions in nations with contested cultural policies, such as those in the Middle East, have periodically drawn scrutiny from both within the museum community and external observers.

Category:International museum organizations Category:Organizations established in 1946 Category:Organizations based in Paris