20 May

Nay Pyi Taw hosted the International Museum Day (IMD), with its global theme “Museums as Culture Hubs; the Future of Tradition” yesterday morning.

Organized on 18 May each year or around this date, the objective of the International Museum Day (IMD) is to raise awareness of the fact that, “Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.”

At the IMD held at the National Museum in the capital city, Director-General U Kyaw Oo Lwin of the Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library, pointed out that museums were responsible for preserving and protecting heritage of human race and preventing illicit trafficking of artifacts, especially the age-old objects.

“Additionally, museums in Myanmar need innovative ideas in arranging systematic and attractive displays, while applying the collecting methods that are within the legal framework,” he noted.

All around the world, more and more museums participate in International Museum Day. Last year, more than 37,000 museums participated in the event in about 158 countries and territories.

“Since its establishment in 1946, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) has been combating the illegal ancient antiques trade, apart from enhancing its Museum Emergency Program (MEP) which is carrying out the work of shielding the artifacts against human and natural hazards,” the director general explained.

“MEP is also cooperating with the International Council of the Blue Shield (ICBS,” he added.

Deputy Director of the department Dr Thein Lwin explained the salient points of IMD. Organized in cooperation with the British Council, the IMD in Nay Pyi Taw includes roundtable talks and paper reading sessions. It continues till 20 May. —Aye Aye Thant
(Translated by TMT)