Museum Selfie Day

Museum Selfie Day History

Museum Selfie Day is a global initiative that encourages art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike to share their museum experiences on social media networks. The event is orchestrated to foster a stronger bond between museums and their patrons, adding an interactive element to the often static act of observing art. By combining the modern ritual of taking selfies with the timeless act of exploring art galleries, this day seeks to bridge centuries of human creativity.

Established in 2015 by London culture blogger, Mar Dixon, Museum Selfie Day became an instant hit resonating with museum goers worldwide. This annual event was conceived as a way to promote museums to a broader audience, using the power of selfies and social media platforms. By creating a viral buzz around museum visits, the day aims to make cultural institutions more accessible and less intimidating to the younger generation.

Museum Selfie Day is observed every third Wednesday in January. On this day, social media platforms are flooded with delightful images of people in front of their favorite exhibits, showcasing the richness and diversity of museums across the globe. Through this social media phenomenon, Museum Selfie Day has successfully transformed museum visiting into a widely shared, enjoyable experience.

Facts about Museum Selfie Day

• The Oxford English Dictionary describes the selfie as, a photograph that one has taken of oneself, especially one taken with a smartphone or webcam and shared via social media. There is debate as to what the first selfie was, but by Oxford’s definition the first instance was in 2002 when Australian Nathan Hope posted a picture of himself on an online forum using the term selfie.
• In 2023, more than 4.4 million people visited the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
• Museums are an educational asset for communities. According to a 2017 American Alliance of Museums survey, 97% of people believed that museums were an important part of their community.
• The most visited museum in the world in 2021 was the Louvre in Paris, France. It had an estimated 9.6 million guests.

In the News and Trending for Museum Selfie Day

Top things to do for Museum Selfie Day

• There are an estimated 35,000 museums in the U.S. Find one that piques your interest and give it a visit. Remember to snap an awesome selfie while you’re there.
• Take a look at these documentaries about museums.
• Browse through your selfies as a trip down memory lane. Experience nostalgia as you encounter photos from different places and times. You could even plan a trip to a place you really enjoyed.