On or around 18 MAY 2009, thousands of museums on all continents celebrate ethical, responsible, sustainable tourism, showing how heritage can bring tourists and local communities together in new, mutually beneficial relationships. The theme continues throughout 2009.

The South African National Committee (ICOM-SA) of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) celebrates this year with an ongoing project: the launch of an interactive map of museum and heritage sites throughout South Africa. The map will be continually updated and will provide a vital resource for spreading knowledge about our heritage to young and old, tourists and local communities.  

What is International Museum Day about?

ICOM created International Museum Day (IMD) in 1977 to encourage awareness about the role of museums in the development of society. IMD has grown ever since, with more than 20,000 museums in 90 countries from Australia to Zimbabwe taking part in 2008.

Why is it important to celebrate International Museum Day?

It is an occasion to unite museums and communities around the world. Heritage is our shared identity, and IMD focuses on how museums can foster new relationships with local communities.

“Museums and Tourism” - Why this theme?

“Museums and Tourism” encourages museum professionals and volunteers to work together with local visitors and foreign tourists, creating interactions with local communities in order to experience heritage both inside and outside of the museum walls.

Further information: ICOM-SA Office, T 021 461 2315,  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

• Click here for a map of South Africa indicating the location of museums around the country and some IMD activities.

Quick list of some IMD 2009 activities around South Africa

Amathole Museum    

International Museum day celebrations: extensive displays on Local History,Xhosa Ethnography, Missionary History and Natural History.   
043 642 4506     This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it     www.museum.za.net                           

Bloemfontein Public Library    

Visit behind the scenes - a look at our collections   
051 447 9609      This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it      www.nasmus.co.za 

CP Nel Museum   

Open day at the museum on Sunday, 17 May 2009, to celebrate International Museum day.   
044 272 7306     This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it     www.cpnelmuseum.co.za

Die Afrikaanse Taalmuseum    

In celebration of International Museum Day on the 18th of May, the Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument in conjunction with Paarl Museum and Paarl Mall will host the second Museum and Heritage expo from 14 to 17 May 2009.   
021 8723441     This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it     www.taalmuseum.co.za
                                                            
Iziko Groot Constantia    

Jonkershuis Conference Centre “Museums, Tourism en Dop”
021 7945067     This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it    www.museums.org.za/grootcon

Johannesburg Art Gallery    

On 19 May 2009 from 10am to 6pm we will celebrate International Museums Day as part of an international initiative to "celebrate ethical, responsible, sustainable tourism, showing how heritage can bring tourists and local communities together in new, mutually beneficial relationships".    
011 7253184     This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it     www.joburg.org.za

Julius Gordon Africana    

Open all day on 18 May 2009 to celebrate International Museum day.   
028 713 8053  www.riversdaler.co.za                                                    

Pilgrims Rest    

For International Museum Day, all the museums at Pilgrim's Rest will be open, free of charge, to the public.   
013 7681471     This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it / This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it www.pilgrims-rest.co.za                                                            
Pretoria Art Museum    

Free museum entrance 19 - 22 May, in celebration of International Museum day   
012 344 1807/8     This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it     www.pretoriaartmuseum.co.za

Schoemansdal - Museum Museums and Tourism

A reconstruction of the first settlement call "Zoutpansberg  
015 5162082                                                                   

South African Museum    

Museums, Tourism and Treasures   
021 4243330        www.museums.org.za/sam

Voortrekker Monument    

Offer guided tours to school groups through Monument during IMD. All tours are curriculum-based.   
012 326 6770        www.voortrekkermon.org.za

West Coast Fossil Park    

"Museums and Tourism"   
022 7661606/7     This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it                                                              

Worcester Museum   

Investigation of museums and tourism by local schools in conjunction with the museum.   
023 342 2225     This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it     www.kleinplasie.org.za

Zululand Historical Museum    

18 May 2009, 07:30 - 16:00 Free entrance to the Museum Village. Museum guides will be available to guide visitors around the Museum Village for free to appropriate experiences.   
035 474 2281     This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it     www.visitzululand.co.za