Zhejiang University's voice heard in Dubai: creating a Chinese platform on the global museum stage

The 27th International Council of Museums (ICOM) Conference (ICOM Dubai 2025) was held in Dubai, UAE, from November 11 to 17, 2025. With the theme The Future of Museums in a Rapidly Changing Society, the conference attracted over 4,000 professionals from more than 100 countries and regions. Zhejiang University’s School of Art and Archaeology and Zhejiang University Museum of Art and Archaeology (ZJUMAA) sent a 15-member team to attend. As the only Chinese university with an independent booth, they showcased the voice of ZJU and China, building international academic connections and enhancing the global influence of Chinese scholarship in museology.

During the conference, ZJU received significant recognition. Professor ZHAO Feng was re-elected as a member of ICOM’s highest governing body, the Executive Board, on November 14, while Professor ZHANG Hui was elected on November 12 as the sole Asian representative on ICOM’s newly formed International Committee for Museum Storage (ICOM STORAGE). This makes ZJU the only Chinese university with representatives in both ICOM's leadership and key professional committees.

ZJU’s booth, led by the School of Art and Archaeology, became a highlight of the event, supported by the Chinese Museums Association, Ningbo Bonda Industrial Co., Ltd., and the ZJUMAA. Under the guidance of teachers such as FU Yi, MAO Ruohan, and ZHENG Xia, along with students, the booth showcased the museology curriculum, practical teaching methods, digital exhibition tools, and innovative results, demonstrating the use of new technologies in museum education. LU Ping, Vice Director of the ZJUMAA, attended the event to promote the museum’s exhibitions and educational activities, further highlighting the core concepts and achievements of ZJU’s museum studies program.

The International Alliance of Teaching Museology in University, initiated by ZJU,has attracted attention from numerous international universities, with 16 institutions already joining. During the event, scholars from various universities expressed interest in joining the alliance to enhance museum studies education in their respective countries. Additionally, over 30 international museum professionals and students expressed their intention to study or visit ZJU. They are eager to explore how university museums can balance educational and public service roles, and how to integrate global university resources for mutual benefit.

The widespread recognition of ZJU, from both institutions and individuals, reflects its growing global influence in museology and the increasing significance of Chinese scholarship in the field worldwide. ZJU will continue to nurture talent in museology and promote China's museum solutions on the international stage.

Adapted and translated from the article written by LING Chuan
Translator: LU Yihsuan (’28, Literature)
Photo: ZJU School of Art and Archaeology, ZJUMAA
Editor: HAN Xiao