ICOM

ICOM, the International Council of Museums, is a non-governmental international organization that supports museums and the preservation of cultural heritage worldwide. Founded in 1946 in Paris, France, it operates as a membership-based association with its headquarters in Paris. The organization brings together museums, professionals, and individuals involved in museology to advance professional standards, ethics, and shared practice.

Its activities include the development and promotion of codes of ethics, guidelines for collection management, conservation standards, and professional training. ICOM coordinates international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building through international committees, national committees, and congresses. It also runs public programs such as International Museum Day to raise awareness of museums' role in society.

ICOM publishes guidance and resources for museums and supports research and projects that address issues such as provenance, deaccessioning, restoration, and access for diverse audiences. The organization also advocates for museums in policy discussions and maintains formal relations with UNESCO and other international bodies.