The University of Pretoria (UP) Museums are delighted to join the global commemoration of International Museum Day (IMD) with an engaging week-long celebration from 12 May to 16 May 2025. This event will feature specialised guided tours through the university’s extensive institutional collections and provide visitors the opportunity to view the latest exhibitions, including the chance to win prizes.

International Museum Day observed annually on 18 May, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about the transformative roles’ museums play in society. The theme for #IMD 2025, “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,” highlights the need for university museums to adapt and thrive in a world shaped by rapid social, technological, and cultural shifts. This year, the UP Museums, in collaboration with UP Campus Tours (UPCT), aim to extend the influence of university museums beyond academic circles, fostering dialogue with diverse communities and advocating for the value of university museums as inclusive and dynamic spaces of learning and for public benefit.

University museums hold a distinct position within the broader museum landscape. As repositories of cultural heritage, scientific innovation, and historical knowledge, they play a pivotal role in the advancement of education and research. Beyond preserving artifacts and collections, university museums act as vibrant spaces for interdisciplinary engagement, bridging the academic and public spheres. They foster critical thinking, cultural appreciation, and lifelong learning, enriching both the campus community and society at large. By providing access to unique collections and curating innovative exhibitions, university museums contribute significantly to the intellectual and cultural fabric of their institutions and the broader world.

The celebration of IMD 2025 at UP is an opportunity to reflect on the indispensable role of university museums in promoting diversity, sustainability, and social cohesion. As the world grapples with unprecedented changes, museums stand as custodians of memory and catalysts for progress, fostering a sense of identity while inspiring forward-looking conversations. This initiative by the UP Museums underscores their commitment to advancing knowledge, cultivating understanding, and empowering communities through the lens of heritage and culture. Book your tour, our browse in your own time. Entrance is free to
all for #IMD2025.

When: 12 May - 17 May 2025
Where: University of Pretoria Museums

Meet at the iconic Blue Bench, Old Arts Building

RSVP:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zl6l8n9PLCZ-BuBXk_ByJ_Uc4rzmzTgAfyfDq75PaHA/edit#responses

Book your Tour HERE!

For more information, email [email protected] or send a WhatsApp message to +27 68
236 4808.