ICOM UK Conference 2026: Museum Diplomacy in Action
Schedule
Thu, 16 Apr, 2026 at 09:00 am to Fri, 17 Apr, 2026 at 05:00 pm
UTC+01:00Location
Oxford University Museum of Natural History | Oxford, EN
About this Event
The Early Bird Sale is live!
General sale and Livestream tickets available from 16th February, 2026
Museum Diplomacy in Action takes place on 16–17 April 2026 in Oxford, exploring the unique role of museums as cultural diplomats in an increasingly complex world.
Museums today operate on a global stage, tackling shared challenges and playing a vital diplomatic role as trusted public institutions that shape narratives, foster cultural exchange and build understanding across borders. Positioned between heritage, knowledge and public engagement, they are uniquely placed to act as powerful agents of cultural diplomacy - especially when formal channels are strained. The ICOM UK Conference 2026 brings this to life through practical, real-world examples of museums in action, showing how they bridge divides, address global issues, spark collaboration and strengthen international relationships. Delegates will leave inspired, confident and ready to step into their own role as cultural diplomats.
The conference unfolds across five beautiful, centrally located venues: Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Ashmolean Museum, the Museum of Oxford, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the History of Science Museum. All are within easy walking distance, creating an inspiring setting for two days of discussion and collaboration.
For full programme details and updates, visit our website.
Programme
Thursday 16th April
Our main Conference day of presentations, workshops, discussions, conference expo and networking at Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Followed by an Evening Reception at The Ashmolean.
(Please note that the Evening Reception is not applicable to digital tickets)
Friday 17th April
Design your own day by selecting three sessions from a diverse programme of skills-focused workshops, guided walking tours around Oxford, and themed visits to local museums.
(Please note that the conference on Friday 17 April is not applicable to digital tickets)
We are greatful to our partners and sponsors for their invaluable contributions and support that have made this conference possible – ; ; ; ; ; ; and .
ICOM UK’s 2026 Annual Conference programme is co-curated with ICOM Canada’s , co-editor of Museum Diplomacy: How Cultural Institutions Shape Global Engagement.
Day One
🕑: 09:00 AM - 05:30 PM
Day One: 16th April - Main Conference & Evening Reception
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Welcome Addresses
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:20 AM
Session 1: Thematic case studies based on sub-theme followed by disucssion
🕑: 11:20 AM - 11:50 AM
Break with networking and sponsor marketplace
🕑: 11:50 AM - 12:40 PM
Session2: Thematic case studies based on sub-theme followed by discussion
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:45 PM
Lunch with networking and sponsor marketplace
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:15 PM
Keynote 2
🕑: 02:15 PM - 03:05 PM
Session 3: Thematic case studies based on sub-theme followed by discussion
🕑: 03:05 PM - 03:35 PM
Break with networking and sponsor marketplace
🕑: 03:40 PM - 04:30 PM
Session 4: Thematic case studies based on sub-theme followed by discussion
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Keynote 3
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:15 PM
Closing Remarks
🕑: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Evening Reception
Day Two
Day Two: 17th April - Tours and Workshops
🕑: 08:45 AM - 09:15 AM
Arrivals
🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:15 AM
ICOM UK's Annual General Meeting (AGM)
🕑: 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Session 1: Workshops / Walking Tours / Museum Tours
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Session 2: Workshops / Walking Tours / Museum Tours
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Session 3: Workshops / Walking Tours / Museum Tours
Where is it happening?
Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Parks Road, Oxford, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 88.46 to GBP 542.41
