International Museum Day and European Museum Night in Porto

International Museum Day and European Museum Night are only a few days away. This Friday and Saturday, 18th and 19th May, Porto celebrates these dates with visits, concerts, and programmes for everyone and for all ages.

The annual celebration kicks off with the International Museum Day (May 18th) and extends to the following celebration: European Museum Night (May 19th).

Porto City Hall features over 100 activities providing visitors an experience of the city's museums and art galleries, as well as the city's heritage.

The motto for this year edition is "Hyperconnected Museums: New Approaches, New Publics".

This day offers the opportunity to raise awareness on how important museums are in the development of society. A large number of events are prepared to involve as much participants as possible. Museums feature extended operating hours as this day is becoming increasingly popular and many people devote this day to cultural tours.

Many events are free or offer big discounts, such as exhibitions, guided tours, conferences, educational activities or workshops.

Prior registration is mandatory in many cases as the events are free.

International Museum Day is celebrated since 1977 following the proposal of ICOM (International Council of Museums), UNESCO advisory body.

In turn, the European Museum Night is an initiative by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication. 

As of 2005, some European museums exceptionally open doors for a night, free of charge, as part of the European Museum Night. The event takes place on the closest Saturday to 18 May, simultaneously in countries that have signed the Council of Europe's cultural convention. Portugal is one of such countries.

See the programme here.