Peru\‘s Ministry of Culture said Tuesday that more than fifty museums across the country will offer free admission from May 18 to 20, in celebration of International Museum Day.

The ministry administers over 50 museums throughout the country, including the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru, the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum, Chavin National Museum, and Pukara Lithic Museum, among others.

The International Museum Day, which is celebrated worldwide each year on or about May 18, is an opportunity to celebrate the important role museums play in preserving our history, and encouraging an exploration of our future.

The Advisory Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) established International Museum Day in 1977 to encourage public awareness of the role of museums in the development of society.

This year the theme of the event is "Museums in a Changing World. New Challenges, New Inspirations."