ICOM UK has announced its 2026 Annual Conference, Museum Diplomacy in Action, bringing the UK’s leading museum and heritage event to Oxford on 16 - 17 April 2026.
Early bird registration for the event is now open and runs until 15th February 2026.
Set against a backdrop of global uncertainty, the conference will explore the growing role of museums as cultural diplomats - trusted institutions shaping narratives, fostering cross-cultural understanding and strengthening international relationships when formal diplomatic channels are under strain. The programme is co-curated with Dr Sascha Priewe, President of ICOM Canada and co-editor of Museum Diplomacy: How Cultural Institutions Shape Global Engagement.
ICOM UK is currently developing a programme featuring an exceptional line-up of speakers, bringing together leaders from museums, culture, policy, and creative industries from the UK and around the world. The full programme and speaker announcements will be released soon.
The conference will take place across five of Oxford’s most iconic museums - Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Ashmolean Museum, the Museum of Oxford, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the History of Science Museum - creating a powerful setting for two days of debate, learning and connection. Delegates will be able to participate in the event either in person or via the livestream.
ICOM UK 2026 Annual Conference: Museum Diplomacy in Action
Delegates can expect practical case studies, workshops, networking, global perspectives and future-facing debate - leaving them equipped not just with ideas, but with confidence to act as cultural diplomats in their own institutions.
ICOM UK Co-Chair and Conference host, Dr Christian Baars, said: ‘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.’
Conference registration is now open with an early bird ticket sale offering 10% savings on normal ticket prices until 15th February 2026. General ticket sales, including online tickets, will be open from 16th February to 1 st April 2026.
Partners and sponsors
Art Fund; National Museum Directors' Council; University of Oxford Gardens, Libraries & Museums; Barker Langham; Narro; Dellner Glass Solutions; Nomad Exhibitions; blooloop
