Gaborone, Botswana – 20 May 2025 – Botswana has today joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Museum Day, a global event dedicated to promoting the importance of museums in cultural preservation, education, and community development. The celebration is being held under the theme “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,” with activities led by the Botswana Society in partnership with the Botswana National Museum and the Botswana National Commission for UNESCO.
The event has brought together cultural experts, heritage professionals, educators, and community leaders to reflect on the evolving role of museums and the need to adapt to modern challenges while remaining rooted in tradition. Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Mr Boatametse Modukanele, highlighted the importance of promoting Botswana’s rich heritage to a wider global audience.
“Our cultural sites and museums are not just symbols of our identity — they are vital economic and educational assets,” said Mr Modukanele. “By showcasing Botswana’s heritage to the world, we are not only preserving our national identity but also creating opportunities for tourism, investment and job creation.”
As part of the day’s celebrations, various exhibitions and interactive activities have been held at the Botswana National Museum, featuring traditional crafts, historical artefacts, and digital presentations of heritage sites across the country. Educational institutions have also participated through student-led art displays and cultural performances, reinforcing the importance of involving the youth in heritage conservation.
Organisers say this year’s theme is particularly relevant in a fast-evolving world where museums must embrace innovation while staying true to their mission of preserving history. With rapid urbanisation, technological change, and shifting community dynamics, museums are now being challenged to become more inclusive, sustainable, and digitally accessible.
The Botswana Society has also emphasized the role of community museums and cultural centres in bridging the gap between rural traditions and modern development. These grassroots institutions are seen as crucial in fostering local pride, passing down indigenous knowledge, and promoting responsible tourism that benefits surrounding communities.
As Botswana strengthens its cultural diplomacy and heritage tourism initiatives, events like International Museum Day serve as reminders of the value of protecting and promoting the country’s unique cultural legacy. According to the Ministry, ongoing investments in museum infrastructure and heritage site management will continue to position Botswana as a leading cultural destination in the region.
The celebration of International Museum Day in Botswana comes at a time when cultural tourism is increasingly seen as a driver of economic diversification. By blending tradition with innovation, Botswana aims to ensure that its museums not only survive but thrive in rapidly changing communities.
