Applications are open for ICOM UK membership for 2026!

Become a member of the only museum alliance with a dedicated international focus and join a global network of more than 57,000 museum professionals over 120 countries. 

ICOM (International Council of Museums) is the voice of museum professionals on an international stage and raises public cultural awareness through global networks and co-operation programmes.  As a membership association and a forum of experts, ICOM establishes professional and ethical standards for museums, makes recommendations on issues related to cultural heritage, promotes capacity building and advances knowledge in sector. 

Benefits of being an ICOM Member 

Whether you are an individual or institutional member, your ICOM membership provides a range of benefits that will connect you with experts and best practice in the sector, support your professional development and offer a gateway to participation in the international museum community. 

As an ICOM member, you will have access to these fantastic membership benefits: 

  • Membership of up to four of ICOM’s 34 International Committees. 
  • Access to ICOM online publications, tools, learning, and professional standards. 
  • Access and discounts to ICOM and ICOM UK conferences and partner events.
  • ICOM News, ICOM’s monthly digital magazine, delivered to your inbox.
  • Regular email bulletins from ICOM UK with the latest news and opportunities about working internationally. 
  • Discounted or free entry to many museums, galleries and exhibitions in the UK and across the world with the ICOM membership card. Find out where you can use your ICOM card in the UK here.
  • Access to the ICOM UK Bursary Scheme
  • Get involved in ICOM’s international missions. 
  • Subscribe to Museum International magazine (online or in print). 
  • Demonstrate support for the international museum community by supporting museum professionals in developing nations.* 

* A proportion of your Membership Fee goes to subsidise the cost of ICOM membership for museum professionals in developing nations. 

Membership is annual and runs from January 1 until December 31, so be sure to apply early to enjoy these benefits for the full year. Membership opens annually in October. 

Membership Plans
Join Now
Renew Now
Replacement Cards
Student Memberships

If you have any questions about membership with ICOM, please contact us at membership@icomuk.org 

Receiving your 2026 sticker

Thank you to all our members who have renewed their ICOM UK membership for 2026. We hugely value your support and look forward to bringing you a range of member benefits during 2026.

Having paid for your membership, you will now be eagerly awaiting your 2026 sticker. Due to the number of membership applications and renewals that we receive, it does take us a little while to process memberships and send out stickers. This is why we opened membership earlier this year and introduced auto-renewal, so that we could ensure that all members receive their 2026 stickers in plenty of time to enjoy a full year of membership benefits from 1 January 2026. We ask for your patience in receiving your 2026 sticker, which will be with you before 1 January 2026.

Thank you again for supporting ICOM UK and we hope you will enjoy your member benefits in 2026.