On 18 May 2021, the Douala Maritime Museum and the Douala City Council joined the international community to celebrate  the 44^th edition of the International Museum Day (IMD) themed, "The Future of Museums: Recover and Reimagine.” Commemoration activities in Douala included a visit to the Douala Maritime Museum by the City Council followed by a panel discussion on the theme, "What role does the museum place in the Douala City?."

The celebration of the IMD in Douala started at the Douala Maritime Museum with a visit by the Douala City Council staff led by the 1^st Deputy Mayor Dr Gérémie Solle representing the Mayor who was unavoidably absent. Guests were received at the Douala Maritime Museum by Mr. Dippah Kayesse, CNSC Head of the Public Relations Unit, deputising for the General Manager of the Cameroon National Shippers' Council (CNSC) who was unavoidably absent.

Visitors had the opportunity to discover the rich exhibitions of the Douala Maritime Museum, which tell Cameroon's maritime and port history through objects, photos, maps, and the navigation simulator that is the only one open to the public in a Museum in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to this, the Douala City Council is organising a temporary exhibition of various works of visual artists reflecting themes in line with African culture and authenticity from 8 May to 5 June 2021. "Congratulations Mr. Minka" guests said after their visit.

The day’s activities continued at the Akwa Town Hall where a panel discussion held on the theme "What role does the Museum play in the City of Douala". The panel comprising Professor Annette Angoua, Director of the Nkongsamba-based Douala Institute of Fine Arts, Dr Philémon Mobeke of the Afrique Avenir  Fondation and Mr. Samuel Minka, Head of the Douala Maritime Museum focused on the theme" Impact of the museum on its environment: Case of the Douala Maritime Museum in the city of Douala”. The day's themes were related to the Douala City Council's project to construct a metropolitan museum in Douala.