The University of Pretoria Museums (UP Museums) joined more than 104 000 Museums in 152 countries to celebrate International Museums Day (IMD), set aside for the 18 May. This day represent a unique moment for the museum community to engage with their public and highlight the role of museums as institution that serve society and its development.

The UP Museums are institutional members of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) for more than a decade and they dedicated the whole month of May to raising awareness about university museums. The museums reflected on this year’s theme for IMD 2022, “The Power of Museums” on how the Museums have the power to transform the world around us. As a university museums they continue to raise promote visibility and deepen engagement with its large and diverse community of students, staff and visitors.

The Museums were honoured with visits of five Students Organisations, the House Education Committee; NAT House Committee; PDBY Newspaper; Stars Mentorship and UP Campus Tour Students (UPCT),  six Faculties, representing 12 departments, and 12 different Professional Services. External tours included learners from Maruda Christian School from Mokopane (Limpopo), other Grade 6 learners and a guest from Switzerland. IMD month also significantly increased impact on social media with now over 700 followers on Instagram #upmuseums and 2518 Facebook followers @University of Pretoria Museums- so stay in touch.

Earlier this year, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal for the University of Pretoria, Prof. Tawana Kupe emphasised that “it is essential that we resume our on-campus activities as far and as soon as possible in a safe and responsible manner and looking forward to welcoming many more students back on campus.” The success of the month celebrations of IMD 2022, clearly reflected that the UP Museums welcomed back its wide UP community, especially to students and staff who worked remotely the opportunity to access the Hatfield Campus. Three daily tours were offered over 21 days,  with a total count of 61 bookings from across different departments, faculties and campuses, 31 conducted tours and a total of 1 520 visitors to the UP Museums- this experience truly reflected on the power of university museums and the social role they play on a healthy campus landscape.