ICOM is the global organisation of museums and museum professionals committed to the conservation of the world’s natural and cultural heritage.
About
Established in 1946, ICOM is a membership association and a non-governmental organisation which establishes professional and ethical standards for museum activities. As a forum of experts, it makes recommendations on issues related to cultural heritage, promotes capacity building and advances knowledge. ICOM is the voice of museum professionals on international stage and raises public cultural awareness through global networks and co-operation programmes.
Mission:
establish standards of excellence
lead a diplomatic forum
develop a professional network
lead a global think tank
carry out international missions
Statistics:
44,686 professionals
in over 138 countries
with 119 national committees
and 32 international committees
Museum Definition:
A museum is a non-profit, permanent institution in the service of society and its development, open to the public, which acquires, conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment for the purposes of education, study and enjoyment.
Over the years, ICOM has evolved in accordance with international museum professionals’ needs worldwide, keeping in mind its main mission. More than 60 years after its creation, the organisation continues to represent the global museum community.