Icom adopts revised Code of Ethics for Museums; Museums Association, June 29, 2026

REBECCA ATKINSON, Museums Association; Icom adopts revised Code of Ethics for Museums

"The International Council of Museums (Icom) has officially adopted a revised Code of Ethics for Museums following four years of consultation with its members and the wider sector.  

The updated global framework sets out shared ethical principles to help museums protect cultural heritage, strengthen public trust, manage collections responsibly, and serve society.

Approved during the Icom’s 41st ordinary general assembly last week by 85.9% of the vote, the revised code reflects the evolving role of museums and responds to key challenges such as AI, the climate crisis and the legacy of colonialism. It also aligns with Icom’s 2022 definition of a museum.

The code is structured around five core principles:

1. Society: Museums serve society.
2. Professionalism: Museums operate and communicate with professional expertise, knowledge and standards.
3. Education: Museums offer diverse experiences for knowledge-sharing and reflection.
4. Collections: Museums research, collect and conserve.
5. Governance: Museums are not-for-profit, permanent institutions."