Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts, Entertainment Hub
NATIONAL Gallery of Zimbabwe executive director Raphael Chikukwa anticipates a vibrant International Museum Day this year, marked on May 18.
The objective of International Museum Day is to raise awareness about the fact that “museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples”,
The International Museum Day 2025 theme is “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities”.
A series of exhibitions and discussions will take place in Harare and Bulawayo to commemorate the occasion, according to Chikukwa. The celebrations extend beyond these major cities, with the Culture Month launch scheduled for May 22 in Chiredzi.
Chikukwa explained that IMD, thanks to the International Council of Museums, will be an integral part of the Culture Month celebrations. He highlighted the significance of the day, stating, “We have lined up a series of discussions for the day, collaborating with the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) and the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
“We want to make sure that the day leaves an impression on creatives, art collectors and other cultural institutions.
“It’s a day that has come at a time when we are calling for the establishment of new museums,” he explained.”
He added that while participants from other galleries in Bulawayo and other towns will be involved, the main event will be held in Chiredzi during the Culture Month launch.
“The main celebrations will be held in Chiredzi. It’s another opportunity to raise awareness about the vital role museums play in society, promoting cultural ex-change, education and research,” he emphasised.
Reflecting on his recent participation in a panel discussion in Abu Dhabi concerning the significance of museums in Africa, Chikukwa observed that the continent still lags behind international standards.
He noted that the theme for this year’s celebrations resonates with their efforts to build and refurbish African museums.
“It’s a time to celebrate the contributions of museums to community life and their importance as places of learning and enjoyment,” he stated.
He also mentioned that many museums offer free admission on International Museum Day, making their collections and exhibitions accessible to a wider audience.
Chikukwa vowed to apply the lessons learned in Abu Dhabi to empower locals on the importance of museums in safeguarding artifacts. Chikukwa stressed the urgent need for Africa to understand the role of cultural institutions, questioning the substantial investments in museum construction in other regions.
“As Zimbabwe, we need to cherish our own culture and reject the notion that it is inferior,” he asserted. He lamented the persistence of colonial mindsets that prioritise foreign languages and cultures.
“As we celebrate Culture Month in May, let’s reflect and rethink this notion of embarrassing our own language and culture,” he urged.
He also cautioned against the uncritical embrace of globalisation, which he views as a potential tool for cultural erosion.
“We need to rethink the so-called globalisation, and if we are not careful, we will continue to drink poison in the name of being global. Arguably, globalisation is a new colonial project,” he remarked.
As such, the convergence of International Museum Day and Culture Month presents a valuable opportunity to celebrate and promote the vital role of museums in society. It is a time for reflection, action, and a renewed commitment to preserving and celebrating Zimbabwe’s unique cultural heritage in an increasingly globalised world.
By embracing our own identity and investing in our cultural institutions, we can ensure that future generations have access to the knowledge, inspiration, and understanding that museums provide.
