Iran’s Extensive Program for International Museum Week
WANA (May 07) – Iran is gearing up to celebrate International Museum Week with a diverse array of programs and events, announced by Ahmad Mohit Tabatabaei, head of the Iranian National Committee of Museums (ICOM Iran). Aligning with the global theme focusing on the role of museums in rapidly changing societies, the week’s activities will run from May 23 to May 31, 2025.
The initiatives are categorized under three main branches: engaging youth, leveraging technology and science, and highlighting heritage, particularly intangible cultural heritage. These serve as sub-themes under the overarching focus on museums’ significance in today’s dynamic world.
People visit Iran’s National Museum during World Museum Day in Tehran, Iran, May 18, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Tabatabaei outlined a series of key events taking place across Tehran and in Ardabil:
Children and Museums Forum (Niavaran Palace Museum, May 23rd): An evaluation and planning session for museum activities related to children, including live workshops.
10th Annual “Disability and Museum” Day (Carpet Museum, May 24th): Museums with notable achievements in accessibility and services for people with disabilities will share their experiences.
Official International Museum Day Ceremony and Exhibition (House of Artists, May 18th): The annual ceremony to honor museum professionals, accompanied by an exhibition showcasing ICOM Iran’s activities over the past year.
“Living Museum of Iranian National Arts” Exhibition (Mir Miran Gallery, House of Artists, May 18th): A joint exhibition with the Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, displaying Iranian national artworks.
People visit Iran’s National Museum during World Museum Day in Tehran, Iran, May 18, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Collectors’ Gathering (House of Thinkers, May 17th): A meeting for registered private collectors to network and discuss their contributions.
“Maktabkhaneh Yahya” Exhibition (Niavaran Cultural Center, May 8th – 18th): An exhibition featuring a collection of Iranian and international musical instruments.
Classic Car Exhibition (Classic Car Museum of Mostazafan Foundation, May 19th): Showcasing a collection of historical and valuable automobiles.
Music Album Launch (Music Museum, May 19th): ICOM member Ms. Elahi will unveil her new music album.
Tourism and Museum Day (House of Thinkers, May 20th): A collaborative event with tourism organizations to explore the connection between tourism and museums.
Iranian men take selfies at Iran’s National Museum during World Museum Day in Tehran, Iran, May 18, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Architecture and Museum Forum (House of Thinkers, May 21st): Architects and experts will discuss museum design and construction.
“Journey into the Cultural Heritage of Qanat” Program (National Museum of Iran, May 22nd): In collaboration with the Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, this program will highlight the significance of qanats (ancient water management systems).
Fourth “Seventh Eye” Program (Cinema Museum, May 27th): A non-competitive showcase of films and videos related to cultural heritage and museums.
Library and Museum Forum (House of Thinkers, May 31st): Exploring the relationship between libraries and museums as centers of knowledge.
Baluch Women’s Needlework Exhibition (Saadabad Royal Clothing Museum, May 18th): An exhibition showcasing the intricate textile art of Baluch women.
Science and Museums Promotion Program (Negarestan Museum, May 10th): The Association for the Promotion of Science will host a program focusing on science education in museums.
People visit Iran’s National Museum during World Museum Day in Tehran, Iran, May 18, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Additionally, a memorial ceremony for the victims of the Bandar Abbas explosion and the resulting damage to cultural sites will be held on June 7th at the Niavaran Cultural Center. ICOM Iran has also invited submissions of videos related to cultural heritage and museums for the “Seventh Eye” program.
While the announcement did not specifically detail programs aimed at international tourists, the diverse range of exhibitions and discussions on Iranian art, heritage, and culture is likely to appeal to a broad audience, including visitors from abroad.
