(haipo) – On May 18, 2026, International Museum Day will be celebrated, during which over a hundred museums across Israel will open their doors to the general public free of charge. This year, under the theme "Museums, uniting a divided world", This day becomes an opportunity not only to consume culture but also to experience human, community, and ethical connection, especially during complex times.
A cultural celebration for the whole family
Visitors will enjoy a wide range of activities: guided tours, gallery talks, creative workshops for children, new exhibitions alongside permanent displays, and meetings with artists and creators. The events are designed to make the world of museums accessible to the general public and present them as living spaces of inspiration, learning, and dialogue between cultures.
Haifa at the center of the stage
Haifa is also joining the celebration with a long list of museums that will be open free of charge, including: the Haifa City Museum, the Haifa Museum of Art, the Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art, the National Maritime Museum, the Immigration and Navy Museum, the Hecht Museum and the Science and Technology Center. Each of them offers a unique experience, from space travel to stories of immigration, from contemporary art to maritime history.
Science, art and history – all in one day
in science and technology Visitors will be able to experience interactive exhibitions and an impressive new space wing; At the Haifa City Museum An exhibition will be presented dealing with the collective memory of the immigrants of the 90s; andAt the Haifa Museum of Art Exhibitions will be presented that examine local identity through a contemporary prism. Illegal Immigration and Navy Museum Offers a unique maritime experience that includes a visit to an illegal immigrant ship, a missile ship, and a submarine, along with fascinating exhibits and tours. Hecht Museum Inviting you on a historical and cultural journey with rare finds, the heritage of the Heikes, and a sculpture garden overlooking a spectacular view. Also National Maritime Museum and Tikotin Museum Offering exceptional experiences that combine creativity, tradition and innovation.
Cultural resilience in the North
After a prolonged period of uncertainty, the northern museums are also returning to operation and serving as a significant community and cultural anchor. Their opening on International Museum Day expresses a return to routine and a choice for human connection through art, while providing an opportunity for the public to support cultural institutions in the region.
The Israel Museums Association and ICOM, which represents thousands of professionals, works to promote museums, develop the field, and strengthen ties with educational and cultural institutions in Israel and around the world, as part of its membership in the international ICOM, which operates under the auspices of UNESCO.
Much more than one day
According to Chairman of the Museums Association, Reut ForsterMuseum Day is a reminder that museums are not just a destination for special events, but an integral part of community life throughout the year. “Museums create bridges between people and stories,” she emphasizes, “and strengthen a sense of belonging even in times of controversy.”
In conclusion
International Museum Day offers much more than free entertainment, it invites the public to pause, listen, observe and connect. Whether through art, science or history, it is a rare opportunity to rediscover the power of culture to bring people together.
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