April 15 — World Art Day: history and traditions of the holiday

In Russia and other countries, World Art Day is celebrated on April 15. The celebration takes place on the birthday of the Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci and unites art lovers all over the world. In 2025, the celebrations will be held on Tuesday. Izvestia tells about how the holiday appeared and what events take place on this date.

World Art Day in 2025 — the history of the holiday

Leonardo da Vinci is considered one of the most outstanding Renaissance artists. Among his most famous works are "The Last Supper" and "Mona Lisa" ("La Gioconda"), which is in the Louvre in Paris.

However, the mind and creative gift of the painter extended far beyond the limits of art. Even in early childhood, he became interested in anatomy and mechanics. In medicine, he is known as the author of many anatomical drawings of humans and animals, and engineers as a progressive inventor who anticipated the era of steam locomotives and airplanes.

Leonardo da Vinci's inventions and paintings were largely innovative for their time and are still of great interest to researchers.

The idea to establish a world holiday on the artist's birthday was first voiced in April 2011 at the 17th session of the General Assembly of the International Association of Arts in Guadalajara (Mexico). It was supported by all the national committees of the member countries of the association, which was established in the middle of the 20th century within the framework of UNESCO.

The first celebrations were held in 2012. Since then, the holiday has been held annually and serves as an important unifying factor for people of different cultures and nationalities.

World Art Day in 2025 — how to celebrate

In many countries of the world, artistic and cultural events are held on April 15. They cover not only painting, but also such types of creativity as sculpture, music, dance, cinematography, photography and multimedia art.

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Premieres in theaters and concert halls, exhibitions, conferences and seminars are timed to coincide with the holiday. Educational events are also organized, which introduce famous representatives of contemporary art and past years.

Open days are also organized for World Art Day in various museums and galleries. Art schools, music schools, art schools, and other educational institutions are not left out.

And, of course, the legendary da Vinci is remembered on this day. There are many stories about his life and work on television and in newspapers.

Earlier, Izvestia told how the World Theater Day, which is celebrated at the end of March, is celebrated.