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

International Training Course on Museum Management

The International Training Course on Strategies and Tools for Collections Management was successfully concluded on April 25, 2025, in Hangzhou, China. This program was 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). Hosted by the China National Silk Museum, the course received support from the Asian Fund for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

Over 12 days, the course attracted 37 participants from nearly 30 countries and regions. Participants engaged in a rich learning experience focusing on critical topics related to collections management, museum strategy, and international cooperation. Led by 18 experienced lecturers from around the globe, the course included lectures, group discussions, practical workshops, and field trips, all designed to foster knowledge exchange and enhance capacity building.

A major emphasis during the course was placed on sustainable practices in museum management. Various sessions addressed pressing global challenges, including climate change and the digital transformation of cultural heritage management. Innovative approaches to preventive conservation, risk management, and digital collections management were discussed, encouraging participants to share and learn from each other's local challenges and successes.

The course incorporated field visits to prestigious cultural institutions in Hangzhou, such as the Liangzhu Museum, Zhejiang Provincial Museum, and the Kuahuqiao Site Museum. These excursions provided participants with practical insights into China’s advancements in museum development, exhibition design, and the adoption of new technologies. On-site interactions with museum professionals further enriched their understanding and offered inspiration for implementing similar strategies in their respective institutions.

One of the standout moments of the program was an extensive visit to the National Key Scientific Research Base for Textile Conservation at the China National Silk Museum. Participants gained firsthand experience of the meticulous conservation processes involved in textile preservation and explored the museum's testing and analysis laboratories. This visit demonstrated the crucial role of conservation science and interdisciplinary research in protecting fragile textile heritage, promoting opportunities for international collaboration,

This training course marked the first collaboration between the China National Silk Museum and ICCROM for an international training initiative. It signifies a vital advancement in establishing the museum’s role as a key player in fostering international exchange, professional development, and regional cooperation in cultural heritage preservation. With such programs, the museum aims to continue building its capacity as a global platform for cultural management education and practices. The collective participation and engagement showcased during the course reflected a genuine commitment to advancing museum management standards and preserving cultural heritage across various societies.

In summary, the successful completion of the International Training Course on Museum Management not only strengthens the bonds among cultural heritage professionals worldwide but also underscores the importance of collaborative learning in addressing common challenges faced in the museum sector today.