#China #Hangzhou #Cultural Heritage #Museum Management #ICCROM

Successful Conclusion of the International Museum Management Course

The recent International Training Course on Strategies and Tools for Collections Management came to a successful conclusion on April 25, 2025, at the China National Silk Museum in Hangzhou. Co-organized by the National Cultural Heritage Administration of China, the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), and the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia (ACHA), this course was hosted with support from the Asian Fund for Cultural Heritage Conservation. Over a period of 12 enriching days, the program attracted 37 participants from nearly 30 countries and regions, all eager to enhance their knowledge and skills in museum management.

Led by 18 expert lecturers from various parts of the globe, the course blended lectures, group discussions, practical workshops, and field visits into a comprehensive learning experience. The focus was particularly directed at sustainable museum management practices, examining pertinent global challenges such as climate change, the digital transformation in museums, and the importance of international collaboration.

Engaging with participants from diverse cultural backgrounds, the course emphasized the sharing of local challenges and effective solutions. This exchange deepened the understanding of different perspectives in museum practice and fostered collaboration among participants. Notably, a highlight of the training involved organized field visits to several key cultural institutions in Hangzhou, where attendees could observe various aspects of museum operations first-hand. Locations such as the Liangzhu Museum, the Zhejiang Provincial Museum, and the Kuahuqiao Site Museum demonstrated China's impressive advancements in exhibition design, integration of new technologies, and strategies for enhancing visitor experience.

One of the most enriching experiences for participants was the in-depth visit to the National Key Scientific Research Base for Textile Conservation at the China National Silk Museum. Here, attendees gained valuable insights into the meticulous processes involved in conserving textiles. They also explored the museum's specialized testing and analysis laboratories, underscoring the critical role of conservation science and interdisciplinary research in preserving fragile textile heritage. This visit further illuminated opportunities for international cooperation and knowledge-sharing in this specialized field.

This significant course marks a milestone as it is the first international training program of its kind hosted by the China National Silk Museum in partnership with ICCROM. It recognizes the museum's evolving role as a center for international discourse, professional development, and regional collaboration in the domain of cultural heritage preservation. The collaborative spirit and the outcomes achieved through this training are expected to not only benefit the participants but also enrich the global dialogue on effective museum management and collections preservation.

As the participants returned to their respective home institutions, they carried with them not only new knowledge but also lasting connections formed with peers and mentors. As nations continue to grapple with modern challenges in cultural heritage management, such training programs are vital in fostering a global community dedicated to preserving the past for future generations.

The successful conclusion of this course serves as a testament to the importance of educational initiatives aimed at empowering professionals in the cultural heritage sector, ultimately contributing to the safeguarding of our shared history and identity.