Rotterdam has been chosen as the host city for the 28th International Council of Museums (ICOM) General Conference, scheduled for 2028. The decision was made during the 40th session of the ICOM General Assembly, which took place on November 14, 2025, in Dubai.
The ICOM General Conference is held every three years and brings together museum professionals from around the world. Since its inception in 1948, it has served as a platform for discussion and exchange within the international museum community.
ICOM Netherlands presented the successful bid under the theme “Building Bridges. Connecting Worlds, Cultures, and Generations.” Caroline Breunesse, Chair of ICOM Netherlands, stated: "ICOM Netherlands is very proud to host the General Conference in 2028. We are ready to welcome our colleagues from all over the world in the city of Rotterdam: a city full of diversity, history, innovative museums and … bridges! We feel museums are platforms to connect, to build bridges between worlds, cultures and generations. We look forward to welcoming you in Rotterdam in 2028. Let’s build bridges together!"
The upcoming conference will focus on how museums can act as bridge builders in response to current global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, social polarization, and inequality. The event aims to explore ways museums can foster dialogue and promote inclusion and sustainability through collaboration.
ICOM Netherlands is one of ICOM’s oldest National Committees and has previously hosted conferences in The Hague in 1962 and 1989. Rotterdam is recognized for its maritime heritage, cultural diversity, innovation, and as home to one of the world's largest ports.
A key milestone at the Rotterdam conference will be the presentation and adoption of ICOM’s Strategic Plan for 2028–2034. This plan will outline priorities for the organization over six years and guide activities across its network.
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