The 30,000 museum professionals that are members of ICOM constitute a distinguished network of knowledge. ICOM is among the few global organisations that are able to quickly mobilize such an expert network and to gather, around various museum matters, the most acclaimed specialists worldwide.
The museum professionals gathered within ICOM’s International Committees conduct advanced research in their respective fields for the benefit of the entire museum community.
There are many prestigious museums among the International Council of Museums institutional members like the Metropolitan Museum in North America, the Palace Museum in Asia or the Louvre in Europe.
Museums of Science and Technologies, Fine Art Museums, City Museums of regional museums, European, African, Oceanic, Asian or American museums are all represented by ICOM, embodying the global diversity of the museum community.
ICOM is highly involved in promoting the restitution of illicitly acquired cultural property. One of its duties is to provide the means and the services to support museums in fulfilling this goal.
ICOM decides to broaden the range of ICOM’s alternative dispute resolution services by launching a mediation service dedicated to art and cultural heritage. Read More
Exemplary ethical practices by museum professionals are essential for ICOM members.
ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums was adopted in 1986 and revised in 2004. It establishes the values and principles shared by ICOM and the international museum community. It is a reference tool translated into 36 languages and it sets minimum standards of professional practice and performance for museums and their staff.
By joining ICOM, each member agrees to respect this code.
Illicit traffic in cultural goods ranks third in the listing of criminal activities worldwide, following drug and arms trafficking. Illicit traffic causes significant damage to tangible heritage, particularly in certain regions of the world where the theft and looting are common.
It is not sufficient to simply take emergency action to develop tools designed to better control the art market and... Read More
Every year since 1977 International Museum Day is organised worldwide around May 18. This day is an occasion to raise awareness on how important museums are in the development of society.
ICOM Advisory Committee organises the theme of this event that, given the high number of countries involved, lasts a day, a weekend, a week or even a month. Read More
European Commission, Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency, Culture Programme / U.S. Department of State / UNESCO / The Getty Foundation / French Ministry of Culture and Communication / Federal Office of Culture of the Swiss Federation / Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency / The Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination / ICOM Foundation / Eudonet SA / French Department of Museums