To raise public awareness of the role of museums in modern society, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) established May 18th as the International Museum Day back in 1977. Each year, the ICOM Hellenic National Committee coordinates the celebration in Greece, which includes events, conferences, activities and themed tours organised by Greek museums. The objective of International Museum Day is to emphasize that “museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples”. This year’s theme “Museums for Equality: Diversity and Inclusion” aims to highlight the social value and significant role that museums play, as contributors to social change and development, in terms of acting as a point of connection between different communities, contributing to social cohesion and promoting social diversity.
Given the current circumstances, most museums worldwide have adapted their activities and continue to operate online, using digital applications and activities. Therefore, this year's International Museum Day will be celebrated digitally. To facilitate this, the ICOM Hellenic National Committee will create an interactive map containing all the special events or activities implemented by museums in Greece.
As part of this initiative, the Neraida Floating Museum designed and implemented two new digital activities for both children and adults: a virtual tour of the Museum, which, using narration and photographs, gives viewers the opportunity to board the ship virtually, to digitally tour the exhibition hosted aboard and to get to know the ship’s main stories; the history of the vessel itself, and the business career of its owner, John Latsis. The digital tour highlights specific museum exhibits, providing further information on both well-known and lesser-known highlights of the ship's story. Click here to board the Neraida and begin the virtual tour.
The second digital activity is addressed to Primary School students, aiming to creatively engage and familiarise them with the story of the "Neraida." As part of this activity entitled "The ship in quarantine!" children were given the opportunity, through painting and/or short sentences, to visualise and depict the Museum when reopened. To begin the activity it is required to download the following PDF files: "The ship in quarantine!" and "Instructions for parents & teachers". Additionally, don't forget to download the International Museum Day 2020 poster designed by ICOM, available for coloring.
The agenda of all digital activities implemented within the framework of International Museum Day is available here.