On Friday, 18 May, museums around the world will celebrate International Museum Day.
The event is coordinated by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and it highlights a theme every year that is at the heart of the museum community.
This year’s theme is “Hyperconnected museums: New approaches, new publics”. The theme highlights how museums, like the rest of society in the technological age, became more complex, diverse and integrated.
According to the ICOM, museums “are an inherent part of their local communities, their cultural landscape and their natural environment. Thanks to technology, museums can now reach way beyond their core audience and find new publics when approaching their collections in a different way.”
The ICOM believes the day will “raise awareness of the fact that, museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.”
To celebrate the day, take some time out and visit one of the many museums around the province.
Caledon Museum will host a speaking competition on the day
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports will be hosting an English Speech Evening Competition for high school learners in grade 10 and 11 from the district at the Caledon Museum.
Five English First Additional Language learners will participate in this event, and the first, second and third place learners will qualify for the final gala competition later this year.
For more information please contact Gaynor Simons at caledonmuseum@gmail.com before 18 May.
Iziko Museums
Iziko Museums in the metropole will also host numerous events during the run up to the day and on the day itself. Find one close to you on the schedule below:
Date |
Time |
Event/activity |
Cost |
Venue |
Age group(s) |
14–18 May 2018 |
09h00 – 17h00 |
POP-UP EXHIBITION: A daily water saving tip gleened from nature or our forefathers, by Amanzi eAfrika |
Will only be Free on IMD |
Iziko South African Museum (ISAM), Gathering Space, LCD Screen |
All ages |
15 May 2018 |
10h00 – 13h00 |
IZIKO MOBILE MUSEUM: Interactive displays |
Free |
Kleinberg Primary, Ocean View |
All ages |
16 May 2018 |
10h00 – 13h00 |
LEARN MORE ABOUT IZIKO COLLECTIONS: Marine Biology, Palaeontology, Herpetology, Entomology, and Archaeology displays |
Free to school groups, booking essential. Bookings: email Wardah Harris at wharris@iziko.org.za |
ISAM, Gathering Space/ Whale Well |
Grade 4–7 |
17 May 2018 |
10h00 – 13h00 |
IZIKO MOBILE MUSEUM: Interactive displays |
Free |
Simon's Town High School |
All ages |
18 May 2018 |
12h30 – 14h30 |
GUIDED TOUR OF EXHIBITION: The artist, Kali van der Merwe will provide a guided tour of the exhibition, After Life from 12:30–13:30, followed by "Dialogues with a creator”, a discussion of the cross fertilisation of art and science, and the return to wonder and imagination. This will be conducted in the exhibition area. |
Free |
ISAM, King's Map Room |
Youth & Adults |
18 May 2018 |
09h00 – 15h00 |
INTERACTIVE ACTIVITY: Amanzi eAfrika: A fun-filled set of activities, displays and egagements that deal with water being the basis of life in Africa. Includes a demonstration of the chemistry of water desalination, exploration of the "Big little things in water", and engagement with curation and collections staff on the African Natural History of water saving. |
Free |
ISAM, Whale Well |
All ages |
18 May 2018 |
14h00 – 15h00 |
GUIDED TOUR OF EXHIBITION: Still Figuring Out What it Means to Be a Man |
Free |
Iziko Slave Lodge (ISL) |
Youth & Adults |
18 May 2018 |
15h00 – 16h00 |
GUIDED TOUR OF EXHIBITION: I Am What I Am: Places, Faces and Spaces |
Free |
ISL |
Youth & Adults |
18 May 2018 |
10h00 – 14h00 |
IZIKO MOBILE MUSEUM: Interactive displays |
Free |
ISAM |
All ages |
19 May 2018 |
10h00 – 13h00 |
WORKSHOP: Healing and Transformation of Gender Relations Gender issues lie at the heart of many of the social issues that plague our communities and personal lives. The Gender Equity and Reconciliation process provides a rare forum to jointly confront the personal, social, and cross-cultural origins of gender oppression and exploitation, and to reach mutual healing and understanding. Linked to the exhibition, Still Figuring Out What it Means to be a Man. |
Free to participants. RSVP: Zanele Khumalo at zani.khumalo@gmail.com and Wandile Kasibe at wkasibe@iziko.org.za |
ISL, Lecture Hall |
Youth & Adults |
Get connected with your community and explore the cultural diversity of the interesting natural, scientific and cultural museums on your doorstep.