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03 May 2017

International Museum Day 2017

On the 18th and 20th of May Portugal will be joining in the commemorations for International Museum Day and Museums at Night, along with many other countries around the world.

The theme chosen for this year is “Museums and contested histories: Saying the unspeakable in museums”. As usual it invites us to think about the role of museums in local communities and society in general. Are museums places that harbour controversial stories? Will communities of professionals, scholars and friends of museums be ready and willing to tackle issues that are socially contentious? And can the approach to these themes contribute to the greater participation and importance of museums in the community?

Photo: Museu Machado de Castro, Coimbra ©DGPC/Museu Machado de Castro

These issues have inspired the organisation of many activities in museum spaces across the country, targeting a variety of interests and very different audiences and inviting people to visit museums on the 18th of May, and on the 20th, the Night of Museums. It will be a unique opportunity to see the exhibitions outside the usual hours. Visitors will also be amazed by theatre and dance performances, musical and other performances, guided and staged tours, and many other interesting cultural experiences.

Check the programme of activities at http://w3.patrimoniocultural.pt/museus2017 and follow the news as it is being announced on the International Museum Day Facebook - www.facebook.com/Dia.Internacional.dos.Museus.

Photo: Biblioteca da Ajuda, Lisboa ©DGPC