In 1977, the International Council of Museums declared May 18 International Museum Day. It was done as a way to encourage public awareness of the role of museums in the development of society. Last year alone, 35,000 museums across 143 countries participated, giving eager museum-goers the opportunity to have an enjoyable and educational experience.
Are you eager to celebrate International Museum Day? Get started on your planning and visiting by checking out the tips below.
Discover free museum days in your area
Using a site like FreeMuseumDay.org, you can discover museums in your area that offer free days, free hours or free passes for residents or children under a certain age. Do some research and see what (if anything) is required for you to discover these historic institutions without breaking the bank, and make sure you carry proper ID on the day you decide to visit.
Discover free historic sites in your area
Don’t live near a museum? Don’t worry! You don’t need a museum to get wrapped up in history. Simply find some historic sites near you. Many are free to all or offer free admission to children, and also offer a unique way to experience a city or state’s history. A little bit of digging can turn up some great historic sites in your own neck of the woods.
Look for special discount opportunities through your credit or banking institution
Some services offer great discounts on admission for some of the country’s best museums. Bank of America, for instance, gives cardholders the ability to obtain weekend passes for a number of museums across the country. Check out your card’s perks and benefits to see if you can visit a great local institution without spending a fortune.
Stay in (and learn!)
Can’t afford to travel to a great museum to celebrate International Museum Day? Don’t fret! You can still learn about some of the most incredible museums in the world via your TV or your computer. Great Museums Television has created a documentary series celebrating the world of museums. With installments focusing on locations like Havana, Cuba and New Orleans, you can discover museums you’ve never heard of and get ideas for your next big trip.
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