“Ark” of culture, savior of memory, teacher of History. All this and more, museums are the guardians of the heritage, existence, history and future of each place. OUR May 18 was established by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) as Museum Dayto emphasize the importance of these spaces mainly as carriers of cultural exchange.

Every year, all museums welcome visitors with free admission and a series of events, talks and other activities aimed at “raising the level of education, promoting understanding, peace and cooperation among peoples.” This year’s theme is “Museums, Sustainability and Quality of Life” to highlight the role and power of museums in achieving sustainable development goals as well as improving the quality of life. Because museums make a significant contribution to a more beautiful everyday life, to promoting mental health, to encouraging action related to climate change, and to protecting biodiversity.

“K” asked them Katerina Zaharopoulou, Bye – Yio And George Cutlis talk about the value of the day, but also about its importance on a personal level.

“living space”

Bye – Yio, visual artist

“Everything that can bring people closer to the museum is good. Museums should become more open and the public should understand that they belong to them. This is not the place where he goes to pay his respects or just get an education, some kind of cultural baptism. It is a space that the visitor can certainly consider as a tool in his daily life to give him inspiration and of course a very good opportunity to think and reflect. The museum should be a living space.

I believe there is more room for International Museum Day to become important. How to make a museum your own? How do we celebrate it? We haven’t reached that level yet, but we will.”

“Creates an alert condition”

Katerina Zaharopoulou, visual artist

“I think overall these dedicated days keep the interest that some people already have in museums a little more active. For others who are a bit out of this habit, they emphasize the importance of museums and inclusion in one’s life.

Personally, the day creates a state of anxiety. That is, “rings” the bell. In my opinion, museums are not celebrated.

Also, the free entry is perhaps an incentive, but I don’t think anyone will go to the museum for the first time because this day is celebrated. This requires additional work and at expanded levels – beyond the formal, symbolic or any other form of anniversary, celebration.

Of course, it is good that on such a day there is much more information about museums. However, in order to create a vibrant relationship, we may need to think about what happens during the rest of the year. Ultimately, Museum Day – besides being a celebration of the museums themselves – is not enough to say that people are flocking to museums.”

“An opportunity to touch the world of art”

Giorgos Kutlis, director

“International days are an occasion to evaluate what exists in our daily life, and we do not attach due importance to them. Let’s remember that museums are an opportunity to connect with the world of art, which we cannot find on the Internet and social networks, but can only experience through personal acquaintance with the work. So this day is an opportunity to re-examine our relationship with museums and remember that by visiting them, we can become better people.

Personally, when I visit a museum, I feel a certain degree of peace. Many times I go to find that peace and be able to enjoy something without being distracted by the screens that surround us all the time.”