Tuesday is International Museum Day

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Many art museums around the world will be celebrating International Museum Day on Tuesday by waiving or reducing their admission fees or offering special programs.

The event was created in 1977 by the International Council of Museums, an organization of institutions and professionals, to promote public awareness of museums’ role in social and cultural development.

For the first time, the Assn. of Art Museum Directors -- which represents nearly 200 officials in the United States, Canada and Mexico -- is making a formal attempt to urge its members to join the celebration. (Nonmembers also are encouraged to get involved.)

Two participating local institutions are the Hammer Museum, which will offer free admission, and the J. Paul Getty Museum -- where admission always is free -- which will give a 20% discount on items purchased at its Getty Center store. (The Getty Villa is closed on Tuesdays.) Regular parking fees apply.

If you plan to visit a museum Tuesday because of International Museum Day, call ahead to see if it’s one that is observing it.

--Karen Wada