Zadar to Host ICOM ICMAH Annual Conference 2026
Zadar to Host ICOM ICMAH Annual Conference 2026 – Bringing Together Over 40 Speakers from 26 Countries
From 28 to 30 October 2026, Zadar will become an international meeting point for experts dedicated to the preservation and protection of underwater cultural heritage.
For the first time, Croatia will host the Annual Conference of the ICOM International Committee for Museums and Collections of Archaeology and History (ICMAH), bringing together more than 40 speakers from 26 countries.
Entitled Exploring the Depths – The Inspirational Journey of Maritime Archaeology, the conference will focus on the research, preservation, management, and presentation of maritime and underwater cultural heritage, with particular attention to the role of museums in protecting and communicating this heritage.
The conference is jointly organised by the Department of Archaeology of the University of Zadar, the International Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Zadar, the Museum of Ancient Glass in Zadar, the Archaeological Museum Zadar, ICOM ICMAH, ICOM Croatia, and the Centre Camille Jullian (CNRS).
International Exchange of Knowledge and Experience
During the first two days, held at the University of Zadar, international experts will present research findings, professional experiences, and examples of good practice in underwater cultural heritage protection and management.
The programme will address a wide range of topics, including the conservation of archaeological finds and museum collections, the impact of climate change, the protection of underwater archaeological sites against looting, and the opportunities offered by new technologies for documenting and interpreting cultural heritage.
Particular attention will also be given to the role of museums in connecting archaeological research with the public and developing innovative approaches to heritage interpretation.
Zadar and Croatia's Underwater Heritage in the International Spotlight
Hosting the conference in Zadar provides an opportunity to highlight Croatia's experience and achievements in underwater archaeology and cultural heritage preservation. The collaboration of four cultural, scientific and educational institutions from Zadar – the Department of Archaeology of the University of Zadar, the International Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Zadar, the Museum of Ancient Glass in Zadar, and the Archaeological Museum Zadar – adds particular value to this international event. Through their work, these institutions contribute to the research, preservation and presentation of cultural heritage while strengthening connections between the academic and museum communities.
As part of the conference programme, participants will visit the St. Nicholas Education and Presentation Centre and explore the exhibition “Deep Peaks – Underwater Heritage of the Split-Dalmatia County.”
The final day will include a Sports in Museums workshop and optional field activities, offering participants the opportunity to explore underwater archaeological sites near Pag Island or visit cultural institutions in Zadar.
By hosting this international conference, Zadar further strengthens its position as a meeting place for professional cooperation and knowledge exchange in archaeology and cultural heritage preservation.
The official opening ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at 9:00 AM in the Ceremonial Hall of the University of Zadar.