The General Assembly is the legislative body of ICOM. (Art.10. ICOM Statutes, Vienna 2007). The President of ICOM chairs the General Assembly. Effective 2008, the General Assembly will hold an ordinary session at least once a year at the time of the annual meeting of the Advisory Committee. All ICOM Members are invited to participate. As the supreme governing body of ICOM, the General Assembly adopts the Strategic Plan, elects the Executive Council and gives it directions concerning the operations of ICOM.

The General Conference is held every three years. It is the meeting point par excellence for all who actively participate in the organisation and is open to all members of ICOM. During the conference, participants receive and consider a report on the activities of ICOM for the preceding triennium, and its draft programme for the following triennium. During the plenary session, museum professionals reflect upon the role of museums, choosing a specific theme as the basis for their discussion. Resolutions arising from the discussions are submitted to the General Assembly.