Over 100 Museums to Offer Free Admission on 'International Museum Day 2026'

Under the banner of "Museums, Uniting a Divided World"—a theme highlighting the central role of museums as connecting spaces specifically during complex times—The Israeli Association of Museums and museums across the country invite the general public to visit over a hundred museums at no cost in honor of International Museum Day. The event will take place on May 18, 2026, marking 40 years of this celebration.

A Cultural Anchor: Furthermore, this is an invitation to remember that museums operate year-round in every city and community, serving as a stable cultural anchor even when there is no special event—and perhaps especially then—as a quiet space for observation, inspiration, and strengthening the sense of belonging and identity. As part of Museum Day, various museums will hold a variety of unique activities: exhibitions, special tours and guided sessions, gallery talks, exposure to new exhibitions and unique displays, special activities for children, creative workshops, and more.

The Israeli Association of Museums and ICOM Israel: This organization represents most museums in Israel and includes approximately 3,200 members involved in all fields of museum work. The association works to promote museums, provide professional development for staff, and foster ties with educational and cultural institutions in Israel and worldwide, contributing to the resilience of Israeli society. As the recognized national association representing Israel in the global ICOM (headquartered in Paris under the auspices of UNESCO), it operates in accordance with the international organization's principles and promotes professional and global collaborations.

* Among the prominent activities expected:

The Nachum Gutman Museum of Art will hold an active tour of the exhibition "Once I Dreamed and Here I Am in Africa," inviting participants on a journey between the wonderful worlds in which Gutman himself grew up and painted.

The Tel Aviv Museum of Art will open a creative complex for the whole family following the museum's exhibitions.

The Kfar Saba Museum invites families for a guided visit to the Archaeological Garden, which includes an introduction to the ancient village, the seasons mosaic, and the flora of the Land of Israel throughout the garden and the onsite agricultural installations, as well as making a fragrant souvenir from the visit.

The Haganah Museum will offer an "Escape Room" activity in an underground atmosphere and a workshop for building models of immigrant ships.

The Khan Museum in Hadera will hold a tour dealing with points of contention in Israeli society from then until today, showing that even when we are divided, we share the same story.

The National Maritime Museum will invite the audience to try weaving circles in the museum's new hand-craft center; come experience weaving and experience shared, connecting, and inspiring creation.

The Museum of Underground Prisoners in Acre will hold an experiential tour of the Acre Prison, including guidance, films, original exhibits, sets, and effects that illustrate the story of the underground prisoners until the heroic prison break on May 4, 1947.

The Petah Tikva Museum of Art will hold a tour of the unique sculpture garden of the Museum Complex, and a story time for toddlers in "My First Museum" alongside an interactive exhibition dealing with everyday nature, creating an experiential space that invites parents and children to experience the wonders of daily life together.

The Bloomfield Science Museum Jerusalem will hold a workshop for building a flying machine inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, and a surprising scientific demonstration where you will discover surprising details in the model of the manned spacecraft that reached the moon and launch rockets!

The Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem will offer a bilingual tour and meeting centered on the figure of Abraham. A journey through the galleries following the journey of the father of many nations, which serves as a cultural bridge between Jewish and Arab society.

The Beit HaShomer Museum will invite the public to an outdoor tour of the 'Northern Album' exhibition—Israeli photographers in a tribute to the residents of the conflict-line communities.

Cultural Resilience in the North: After a long period of upheaval and uncertainty, the museums of the North are returning to operation and serve as a significant community anchor. Their opening on International Museum Day is not just a cultural event, but a value-based statement of returning to routine and choosing human encounter through art and creation. This is an opportunity for the general public to support cultural institutions in the North, which are opening their doors despite the challenges and offering a moment of breath, connection, and hope. Among the museums in the North that will open their doors: Bar-David Museum of Art and Judaica, Beit Ussishkin, Yigal Allon Center, Tower and Stockade Hanita, Ein Dor Museum, Museum of Yarmukian Culture at Sha'ar HaGolan, Ghetto Fighters' House, Museum of the Valley, Janco-Dada Museum, Mishkan Museum of Art Ein Harod, Beit Sturman Museum, and the Museum of Prehistoric Man.

Additional museums that will open free of charge to the general public across the country: The Israel Museum, Haifa Museums, MUZA - Eretz Israel Museum, ANU - Museum of the Jewish People, Museum of Man and the Environment, Ashdod Art Museum, Old Yishuv Court Museum, Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, Design Museum Holon, Negev Museum of Art, Agam Museum, Carasso Science Park, Tel Aviv-Yafo City Museum, Bat Yam Museums, MadaTech, Yad Mordechai Museum, Tower of David Museum Jerusalem, Technoda, Clore Garden of Science - Davidson Institute, Hasmonean Heritage Museum, Hannah Senesh House, Beit Aharonson NILI Museum, HaMizgaga Museum, Herzliya Museum of Contemporary Art, Ramat Gan Museum of Israeli Art, Azor Archaeological Museum, Lod Mosaic Museum, Reuven House, Ramla Museum, Museum of Philistine Culture, Museum of Bedouin Culture, Yad Vashem, and many others.

Reut Ferster, Chair of the Association of Museums: "The museum does not only wake up on International Museum Day—it is here for you all year round. Present in the neighborhood, in the city, in the community. Welcoming, listening, showing, and connecting. On this day, we invite the public to remember that there is a space nearby that is there for them—not just for special events, but for life itself. This year's theme, 'Museums, Uniting a Divided World,' expresses the essence of museum activity: creating bridges between people, cultures, and stories, and strengthening the sense of partnership even in times of disagreement."

The full list of museums open free of charge, operating hours, and various activities are available on the Israeli Association of Museums website:

www.icom.org.il and on the websites of museums across the country.

(Photo: MUZA, Daniel Hanoch)