Successful Conclusion of International Museum Management Course in Hangzhou

A Successful International Training Course on Museum Management in Hangzhou

The International Training Course on Strategies and Tools for Collection Management, co-organized by the National Cultural Heritage Administration of China (NCHA), the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), and the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia (ACHA), was successfully concluded on April 25, 2025, in Hangzhou, China. Hosted by the China National Silk Museum with the support of the Asia Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation, this event brought together diverse participants and experts from around the globe.

Over the span of 12 enriching days, this course gathered 37 participants from almost 30 different countries and regions, offering an immersive learning experience focused on essential themes in collection management, museum strategy, and international cooperation. The program featured contributions from 18 speakers worldwide, encompassing lectures, group discussions, hands-on workshops, and field trips, all aimed at fostering a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and capacity building.

A significant focus of the course was on sustainable museum management, addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and international collaborations through innovative approaches to preventive conservation, risk management, and digital collection management. The multicultural setting of the course encouraged participants to share their local challenges and solutions, enhancing mutual understanding and collaboration.

Field visits to prominent cultural institutions in Hangzhou, including the Liangzhu Museum, Zhejiang Provincial Museum, and Kuahuqiao Site Museum, provided practical insights into museum development, exhibition design, and the integration of new technologies in China. Participants also engaged with local museum professionals, which inspired them to consider similar approaches within their own institutions.

One of the program highlights was an in-depth visit to the National Key Scientific Research Base for Textile Conservation at the China National Silk Museum. Participants had the opportunity to closely observe meticulous textile conservation processes and explore the museum's analysis and testing laboratories. This visit underscored the critical role of conservation science and interdisciplinary research in safeguarding fragile textile heritage while fostering opportunities for international cooperation and knowledge sharing.

This initiative marked the first occasion that the China National Silk Museum hosted an international training course in collaboration with ICCROM. It signifies a significant advancement in the museum's evolving role as a platform for international exchange, professional development, and regional cooperation in the field of cultural heritage conservation. As institutions across the globe face similar challenges in preserving historical artifacts, the exchange of ideas and expertise fostered during this course is expected to make a lasting impact on the participants and their organizations.

The course's conclusion in Hangzhou not only reflects a commitment to enhancing professional standards in museum management but also emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the future challenges of cultural heritage conservation. With continued partnerships and innovative educational opportunities, the ongoing development of museum practices and strategies will undoubtedly benefit from this collaborative international platform.

For more information regarding the course and future initiatives, interested parties are encouraged to reach out via [email protected].

Photo: Image of the Course