In January 2025, the International Alliance of Museums of the Silk Road (IAMS) held its 7th Executive Council Meeting through online communication, where all members of the executive council unanimously approved the admission of the History Museum of Armenia, the Semnan History Museum, Iran, and the Red Sea Museum, Saudi Arabia into the Alliance; Mr. Gao Zheng, Director of the National Museum of China, takes over the role of President and Mr. Berik Abdygaliuyl, Acting Director of the National Museum of Kazakhstan, takes over the role of Vice President; and the 4th IAMS Conference will be held in Hangzhou, China, in the summer of 2025.
The History Museum of Armenia is a cultural organization of national significance, which has been acquiring, collecting, discovering, accounting, preserving, studying, interpreting and exhibiting tangible and intangible cultural relics related to Armenia and the Armenian people. The museum houses 400,000 archaeological, ethnographic, numismatic and other objects.
The Semnan History Museum is one of the most notable museums in Iran, located in the city of Semnan. It plays a vital role in preserving and presenting the culture, heritage, and civilization of the people of this city. The museum features a diverse collection of artifacts, documents, and exhibits that reflect the unique traditions and historical significance of Semnan.
The Red Sea Museum, established by the Bureau of Museums of the Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and opening in 2026, will be an exciting new asset to the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Al-Balad in Jeddah, this museum will represent the transformation of the Bab Al-Bunt heritage building into a major cultural asset. Once a gateway for pilgrims and trade arriving by sea, the Red Sea Museum will be a cultural anchor to celebrate the diversity of the Red Sea and the legacy of its people through time.
By January 2025, the total number of IAMS members has reached 175, including 60 international organizations and 115 Chinese organizations.
Source: IAMS Secretariat