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)
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Approximately 40 associations participated in the theme of “Hospitality” in the museums
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Some associations doubled the usual number of visitors in the museum; others broke their membership records in a single day
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Smaller museums in smaller places reported good participation
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Read more about these highlights: Newsletter 1, Newsletter 2, Newsletter 3
ITALY (FIDAM)
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43 associations participated on the theme of “lived and represented landscape”
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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)
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FAMP had a great turnout of about 40% to 50% of its associated groups
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Participants reported they are very enthusiastic about the purpose of creating the European Day and are sharing these news with their Friends
SPAIN (FEAM)
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45 associations used the logos for this day — especially in the media — and 25 organized dedicated activities
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Ministry, directors of museums have congratulated the initiative of the European day