Report: European Day of Friends of Museums 2023
On October 8, 2023, friends associations across Europe participated in the first European Day of Friends of Museums. The event engaged and energized federations with dedicated activities around a variety of themes. During a video conference on October 20, 2023, participants confirmed interest in planning a European Day of Friends of Museums for 2024 and shared highlights, including:
FRANCE (FFSAM)
Approximately 40 associations participated in the theme of “Hospitality” in the museums
Some associations doubled the usual number of visitors in the museum; others broke their membership records in a single day
Smaller museums in smaller places reported good participation
Read more about these highlights: Newsletter 1, Newsletter 2, Newsletter 3
ITALY (FIDAM)
43 associations participated on the theme of “lived and represented landscape”
FIDAM received three recognitions: patronage of the European Parliament and of the ministry of Culture, medal of the Presidency of the Republic, for the third time
PORTUGAL (FAMP)
FAMP had a great turnout of about 40% to 50% of its associated groups
Participants reported they are very enthusiastic about the purpose of creating the European Day and are sharing these news with their Friends
SPAIN (FEAM)
45 associations used the logos for this day — especially in the media — and 25 organized dedicated activities
Ministry, directors of museums have congratulated the initiative of the European day