International Museum Day 2026

On Sunday, 17 May 2026, International Museum Day will be celebrated across South Tyrol. More than 50 museums, collections and exhibition venues will open their doors with special programmes, free admission and unique behind-the-scenes insights.

Eppan also offers a special highlight: at Hocheppan Castle visitors have the opportunity to discover the impressive castle chapel and learn about the history of the castle as part of a free guided tour.

International Museum Day has been organised by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) since 1977. Its aim is to highlight the diversity of museums and underline their important role in society. While the official date is 18 May, in South Tyrol and many other European countries the event traditionally takes place on a Sunday.

Theme 2026: Museums uniting a divided world

Under the motto “Museums uniting a divided world”, this year’s edition focuses on the power of museums to connect people. Museums are places of exchange where cultural, social and geographical boundaries can be bridged, encouraging dialogue and mutual understanding.

At a time marked by increasing divisions and unequal access to culture and knowledge, museums play a vital role. They preserve cultural heritage, inspire reflection and provide space for diverse perspectives—helping to strengthen communities both locally and globally.