On the occasion International Museum Day 2025 A seminar is taking place. Wednesday, May 21, in the lecture hall of the National Museum of Iceland. In a world that is in constant motion and where conflicts are becoming increasingly prominent, this year's Museum Day theme offers, The future of museums in ever-changing societies, to consider the role and environment of museums in this regard.
The Icelandic section of ICOM, FÍSOS, and the National Board of Museums are hosting a symposium that will, among other things, discuss museums in the context of social division, their future prospects, and their potential for impact. What meaning do museums have when society is divided and polarization is on the rise? What responsibility do cultural institutions bear towards the public as relationship-building centers of knowledge and community hubs? How are museums shaped by their environment, as well as by external pressure and demands for neutrality? Here you can find The Facebook event
The symposium discussed museums and social disconnection, their future prospects, and their potential for impact.
Here you can find a recording of the symposium.
Agenda of the symposium:
1:00-1:05 PM – Hlynur Hallsson, Moderator – Opening of the Symposium
1:05 PM - 1:20 PM – Hólmar Hólm, Chairman of the Icelandic Chapter of ICOM - Address: „Tackling the Rift“
1:20-1:45 PM – Jón Ólafsson, Professor of Cultural Studies at the University of Iceland – „The Museum as a Forum for Conflict“
1:45-2:10 PM – Dr. Guðrún Dröfn Whitehead, Lecturer in Museum Studies at the University of Iceland – „Are Icelandic Museums Afraid of the Vikings? Vikings as Cultural Heritage or Tourist Merchandise“
2:10 PM - 2:30 PM – Coffee break
2:30-2:55 PM – David Anderson, Professor at Cardiff University – „From the American Alliance of Museums Conference“
2:55-3:20 PM – Bjarndís Helga Tómasdóttir, Chairperson of Samtök ’78 – „Culture Wars and Minority Groups“
3:20 PM - 4:15 PM – Panel discussion
4:15 PM - 5:00 PM – Symposium concludes with light refreshments
International Museum Day is celebrated on May 18th each year, and ICOM, the International Council of Museums, has been organizing the day since 1977. The implementation of the day is an important collaborative project between the Icelandic chapter of ICOM and FÍSOS, which enjoys strong support from the National Museum Council and the country's museums.