With Rotterdam proposed as the host city and the theme ‘Building Bridges. Connecting World, Cultures and Generations’, ICOM Netherlands has been shortlisted for the ICOM General Conference 2028. The other candidate is Oslo, Norway. Members will vote on their final choice during the General Assembly at the ICOM General Conference in Dubai, in November 2025.
With the overarching theme "Building Bridges. Connecting World, Cultures and Generations”, we present museums as meeting places. As platforms where differences can be bridged, museums are a powerful link towards mutual understanding and shared growth.
The ICOM General Conference 2028 will host museum professionals from around the world in Rotterdam, with a scientific programme at AHOY, excursions showcasing museum highlights across the country, and plenty of scope for the programmes of ICOM National Committees, International Committees and Working Groups.
What is at stake?
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A unique opportunity to put the Dutch museum sector on the global map.
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Increased international exposure for Dutch collections, innovations and partnerships.
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A boost in visitor numbers and positive economic impact for the cultural and tourism sector.
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Networking opportunities that would otherwise only occur abroad.
Caroline Breunesse, Chair ICOM Netherlands
Influencing the vote? Yes please!
Help generate enthusiasm among your international ICOM colleagues for Rotterdam 2028 through personal conversations, conferences and online networking. Share ICOM Netherlands updates on social media, talk about our museums and the ‘Building Bridges’ theme with your international contacts, and invite colleagues from abroad for working visits.
If you have questions, suggestions, or would like to contribute in a broader way, feel free to contact us at: conferentie@icom.nl.
Ready to motivate (inter)national museum partners? Feel free to use our sample letter:
Partners
Endorsement from Léontine Meijer-van Mensch, Director Museum Rotterdam and Chair of ICOM Ethical Committeee
Q&A
Q: What is the ICOM General Conference?
A: It is the triennial international meeting organised by the International Council of Museums. Thousands of museum professionals from across the globe gather for talks, workshops, excursions and networking. The 2025 edition will be held in Dubai from 11 to 17 November 2025. More details are available here.
Q: How large is the ICOM General Conference?
A: Expect between 3,000 and 5,000 participants from more than 100 countries – including curators, directors, researchers, educators, designers, policymakers and museology students. It is the world’s largest museum-focused conference.
Q: How to vote for The Netherlands?
The online ballot box will open on 1 November 2025. The actual voting is part of the General Assembly in Dubai. All ICOM members are welcome to attend the General Assembly, but only the designated delegates are eligible to vote: the National Committees, International Committees, regional alliances, and affiliated organizations. The exact voting procedure and timing will be announced by ICOM International soon. Keep an eye on your member space and Agora account!
Q: I would like to contribute ideas or activate my network in the run-up to the vote in Dubai. How can I do that?
A: Send an e-mail to conferentie@icom.nl, and we will be happy to contact you.
Q: What are the personal benefits of participating?
A: Access to international knowledge, new partnerships, trends and inspiration for exhibitions and public programming.
Q: What kind of side-events can I expect?
A: Receptions, exhibition openings, networking dinners, special tours, and opportunities to meet with international colleagues.
Q: The General Conference will be held in Rotterdam; how will the rest of the Netherlands be involved?
A: There will be excursions to museums in all provinces, along with partnerships involving regional museums and cultural institutions.
Q: Who is organising the programme?
A: In addition to ICOM Netherlands, ICOM National Committees, International Committees and Working Groups will also contribute their own sessions and activities.
Q: Can I influence the vote myself?
A: Absolutely. Help generate enthusiasm among your international ICOM colleagues for Rotterdam 2028 through personal conversations, conferences and online networking.
Q: What can I do right now?
A: Share ICOM Netherlands updates on social media, talk about our museums and the ‘Building Bridges’ theme with your international contacts, and invite colleagues from abroad for working visits.