As such, all events that were planned to be organised within the framework of the celebrations for International Museum May 18 and the European Night of Museums, did not take place as they were cancelled.

Although museum doors are temporarily closed to the public, their collections can still be explored online. The public can visit the websites of museums and their pages on social media (e.g. Instagram, Facebook etc.) and enjoy numerous interesting posts and programmes.

With the theme ‘Museums for Equality: Diversity and Inclusion’, International Museum Day 2020 highlights the role and value of museums in society. Museums can be seen as cultural hubs which contribute towards social change and are in a position to cultivate and promote values, such as peace, equality, harmonious coexistence, mutual understanding and social cohesion in general.

Museums can act as common points of reference between different groups. Through their permanent and periodic exhibitions and their various other events, they are in a position to highlight and celebrate diversity and multiculturalism, tackle prejudice and discrimination and promote equality.