International Museum Day is centered around a specific theme that highlights a relevant aspect of museums' contributions to society. Themes in the past have included topics like "Museums and Cultural Landscapes," "Museums and contested histories: Saying the unspeakable in museums," and "The Future of Museums: Recover and Reimagine." These themes encourage museums around the world to host events, activities, and exhibitions that align with the annual focus, fostering community engagement and promoting their missions.