At a time when the global museum landscape is undergoing profound transformation, ICOM Europe, in collaboration with ICOFOM, ICOM France, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and France Muséums, will host a full-day international conference on 10 November 2025 at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

This special event, organized within the framework of the 27th ICOM General Conference in Dubai, is dedicated to exploring how new museums conceived in the early 21st century are redefining the role, form, and ethics of the museum institution.

The conference brings together directors, curators, and researchers from all regions of the world — from Abu Dhabi to Helsinki, Mexico City to Tokyo — to examine how museums are being reshaped in response to climate and social crises, technological evolution, and shifting expectations of public engagement.

As the museum of the 21st century emerges as both a civic actor and a site of innovation, the event aims to identify and compare diverse professional approaches, focusing on new models of participation, sustainability, and intercultural dialogue.

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Concept and Objectives

The conference aims to address a central question: “What do museums born at the dawn of the second quarter of the 21st century look like?”

By examining recent examples of new and transformed museums across continents, the discussions will explore how institutions are redefining themselves as spaces of civic participation, sustainable development, and intercultural connection.

The initiative builds on ICOM’s recent work to redefine the museum and revise its Code of Ethics, offering a timely reflection on how these principles are being applied in practice. The event seeks to:

• Compare different regional approaches to museum creation and renewal;
• Identify emerging trends in museological thinking and design;
• Foster dialogue between museum practitioners, academics, and cultural policymakers;
• Contribute to ICOM’s broader reflection on the future of museums in rapidly changing communities.

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Programme Overview

The full-day programme includes:

• Opening session with institutional leaders from ICOM, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and partner organisations.
• Morning presentations of case studies from recently established or renewed museums worldwide.
• Mid-day video session featuring additional projects and perspectives from different regions.
• Synthesis and debate exploring shared challenges and opportunities.
• Afternoon round table bringing together directors and researchers to reflect on the transformations shaping museums in 2025 and beyond.

A cocktail offered by ICOM France will close the day, following a full programme of dialogue and discovery.

👉 The detailed PROGRAMME (PDF) is available for download here.

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Emerging Themes

The conference provides a unique opportunity for professionals to share insights, experiences, and perspectives across regions and disciplines. The conference programme highlights several key areas of transformation shaping contemporary museology:

1. Museums as Drivers of Social and Environmental Change
2. Rethinking the Institutional Model 
3. Creativity, Intimacy, and New Narratives
4. Global Networks and Local Anchors 
5. Innovation and Community Relevance 

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Practical Information

📅 Date: Monday, 10 November 2025
📍 Venue: Louvre Abu Dhabi Auditorium
🕓 Time: Full-day conference
🚌 Free shuttle from Dubai (Ibis Dubai One Central) to Abu Dhabi and return
🍸 Cocktail offered by ICOM France
📄 Download the full programme (PDF)
🔗 Register now: Eventbrite – ICOM Europe Conference

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Organisers

This event is hosted by Louvre Abu Dhabi and jointly organised by:
ICOM Europe, ICOFOM, ICOM France and France Muséums,
within the framework of the 27th ICOM General Conference in Dubai on “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.”