Where: Old Arts Building, UP main campus

Time: 09H00 – 12H00

The Department of UP Arts, the University of Pretoria Museums, UP Archives and Campus Tours of the Department of Historical and Heritage Studies will celebrate International Museums Day on Monday 18 May. This year the International Council of Museums (ICOM) is highlighting "Museums and Tourism" for the celebratory theme.

ICOM created International Museum Day in 1977 to encourage awareness about the role of museums in the development of society. Momentum has been rising unabated ever since. Last year more than 20,000 museums in 90 countries from Siberia to South Africa participated in this global museum event. This year thousands of museums on all continents will be celebrating ethical, responsible, sustainable tourism, showing how heritage can bring tourists and local communities together in new, mutually beneficial relationships.

The University of Pretoria Museums and Archives will be celebrating the event on campus in front of the Old Arts on 18 May between 09:00 and 12:00. UP Campus Tours also invite staff and students to take a free tour of the campus on Museums Day to discover the range of museum treasures on campus that go beyond a 100 years. Free guided tours will be offered at 10:00 and 11:00, departing from the Old Arts Building. Books on the University art treasures and heritage will also be on display and for sale.

For more information on the how Museums Day is celebrated all over the world, visit http:/icom.museum/imd.html