The International Council of Museums (ICOM) has opened registration for the ICOM UK 2026 Annual Conference, Museum Diplomacy in Action, which will be held in Oxford from 16 to 17 April.
The event, which is the UK’s leading museum and heritage conference, will examine how museums are increasingly serving as cultural diplomats.
In a time of global uncertainty, these trusted organisations are shaping narratives, promoting cross-cultural understanding, and strengthening international relationships.
Dr Christian Baars, ICOM UK co-chair and conference host, says: "We are excited to be inviting our members and museum professionals from around the world to the wonderful city of Oxford for our 2026 conference.
"This year’s theme feels particularly relevant given current global challenges, and we hope that our programme and networking opportunities will leave delegates informed and inspired by what museum diplomacy means in practice."
Early bird registration is available until 15 February 2026. For more information and to book, please click here.
Two days of ideas, global perspectives, and networking
ICOM UK is developing a programme that features speakers from museums, culture, policy, and the creative sector in the UK and across the world. This is co-curated with Dr Sascha Priewe, president of ICOM Canada and co-editor of Museum Diplomacy: How Cultural Institutions Shape Global Engagement.
The full programme will be announced soon.
The conference will be hosted by five of Oxford’s most iconic museums: the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, the Ashmolean Museum, the Museum of Oxford, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the History of Science Museum.
In these inspiring settings, delegates will engage in two days of debate, learning, and connection. They can expect practical case studies, workshops, networking, global perspectives, and future-facing debate, and to leave with the confidence to act as cultural diplomats in their own organisations.
Participation is available in person or through livestream.
Last year, ICOM opened an opportunity to join the Board of Trustees for ICOM UK as a finance lead trustee.
