Museum Mosaic

MUSEUM20
MOSAIC 23
India’s Annual Recap
MUSEUM
MOSAIC
Hello there, fellow museum enthusiasts!

Welcome to the very first issue of Museum Mosaic! I’m absolutely thrilled
(and mildly terrified) to be your guide through the delightful chaos that
is the Indian museum sector. As a cultural entrepreneur who's been trying to
juggle heritage experiences and modern marketing, I promise this will be an
interesting ride through history, creativity, and a few unexpected surprises.
2023 has been a rollercoaster for museums across India, filled with both
challenges and triumphs. Our beloved institutions have done more than
just survive; they’ve thrived, morphed, and sparkled in ways we never
imagined. Museums have transformed from dusty relic holders to vibrant
cultural hubs where the past meets the present in the most fascinating
dance-off.
Tech lovers, rejoice! This year saw an explosion of virtual tours, interactive
exhibits, augmented reality and AI tools that made ancient artefacts leap
out of their glass cases and dance around on our screens. It’s all about
making our rich heritage accessible and engaging for everyone, from the
tech-savvy Gen Z to the nostalgia-loving boomers. These digital
innovations ensure that our cultural narratives are not only preserved but
shared in new and captivating ways.
Collaboration has been the name of the game. Museums, academic

institutions, and private enterprises have joined forces like the Avengers of
culture, creating groundbreaking research, extraordinary exhibitions and
educational initiatives. Initiatives such as the Museum Expo and the
Museum Biennale have also played their part in infusing new energy into
the museum space. I believe cultural entrepreneurs within and outside the
museums have played a pivotal role in making this magic happen, and
we’re just getting started.
In this issue, we’ve got a treasure trove of articles from distinguished

museum professionals as well as those making a dent in the space with their
ideas who share their triumphs and tribulations. These stories offer a peek
behind the curtain at the passion and dedication that keep our museums
running. We’re also shining a spotlight on this year’s museum influencers—
the rockstars who with their brilliant ideas and tireless efforts are not just
changing the face of museums; they’re giving them a whole new personality.
MUSEUM
MOSAIC
And don’t miss our special feature on star artefacts from 100 museums
across India. Each artefact is like a time-travelling portal with a
fascinating story to narrate. Plus, our "Instagram Handles We Love"
section is a must-see, featuring the best Instagram channels that highlight
Indian museums and individuals who are absolute gems in the social media
landscape. Prepare for your feed to get a whole lot more interesting.
As we look to the future, sustainability and community engagement are at

the top of our to-do list. Museums are stepping up as eco-warriors and
community champions, proving they’re not just about the past—they’re
shaping a vibrant, sustainable future. Green practices, local involvement,
and educational outreach are setting new standards, and we’re here for it.
So, dive into ‘Museum Mosaic’ and explore the stories, interviews, and
fascinating tidbits that capture the essence of our thriving museum sector.
This publication is a testament to the passion, creativity, and dedication of
everyone who works tirelessly to preserve and promote our cultural heritage.
And if you chuckle along the way, well, that’s just a bonus.
Thanks for joining us on this adventure. Let’s celebrate the past, embrace
the present, and stride confidently into a future where our museums
continue to inspire and educate.
Warm regards,
Anjchita B. Nair
CO-FOUNDER AND CEO
CULTRE
CONTENTS
MUSEUM INFLUENCERS 2024
MUSEUM NEWS
PERSPECTIVES FROM THE MUSUEM WORLD
1. ANICA MANN: Can government museums be a viable career option?

2. ASAD LALLJEE: Creative Tourism: Museums as Muse
3. ASHMITHA ATHREYA: Musings about Museums
4. JUNHI HAN: A short brief on the UNESCO 2015 Recommendation concerning the Protection
and Promotion of Museums and Collections, their Diversity and Their Role in Society
5. KOMAL ANAND: Ah! The Splendor of Museums
6. MANDIRA ROW: Single Artist Museums
7. MEGHNA VYAS ARORA: Sustainability in Museum Operations: Nurturing the Museum
Ecosystem
8. MUGDHA SINHA: May is for Museums
9. THE MAP TEAM: How to make museums truly accessible to the public?
10. PREMJISH ACHARI: Cultural Futures of the Museums
11. SHALINI BANSAL: Our journey with Museums at Museums22
12. SHIKHA JAIN: New Museum Trends: Designing a Documents Museum
13. SIDDHANT SHAH: Museums for all: A Journey Towards Inclusive Museums in India
14. SUNAYANA RATHORE: Tracing the evolving framework of Mehrangarh Fort Museum
15. TEJSHVI JAIN: Are we ready for the future?
16. ANJCHITA B. NAIR: In conversation with Subodh Kerkar
STAR-TEFACTS
INSTAGRAM HANDLES WE LOVE
MUSEUMS DIRECTORY
MUSEUM
MOSAIC
MUSEUM
INFLUENCERS
2024
Every year, we proudly unveil our annual Museum Influencers list, a tribute to the
remarkable individuals who have become catalysts for change within the museums
and heritage sector in India. These influencers have not only embraced India's rich
cultural heritage but have also initiated transformative ideas and initiatives that
are reshaping the very essence of museums across the country.
These are individuals whose dedication to conservation, restoration, and
preservation is unparalleled.
In an era marked by rapid digitalisation and evolving audience expectations, our

influencers have embraced innovative outreach strategies to bridge the gap between
museums and the public. Through dynamic social media campaigns, interactive
educational programs, they have succeeded in making museums more accessible and
engaging to diverse audiences. By breaking down barriers and fostering inclusive
spaces, they are democratizing access to culture and knowledge, enriching lives in the
process. Beyond the confines of traditional museum spaces, they are carving out new
avenues for dialogue and engagement.
Lastly, our list celebrates individuals who are are pushing the boundaries of what
constitutes a museum experience. By embracing technology, design, and
interdisciplinary approaches.
MUSEUM
INFLUENCERS
2024
SHIVENDRA SINGH
TANVI JINDAL PREEMA JOHN
DUNGARPUR
ANUPAM SAH JAHNAVI PHALKEY ANJANI KUMAR

SINGH
SHIVENDRA SINGH
DUNGARPUR
FOUNDER DIRECTOR,
FILM HERITAGE FOUNDATION
An acclaimed filmmaker, archivist, and restorer dedicated to the preservation

of cinematic heritage. As founder director of the Film Heritage Foundation,
he spearheads initiatives to safeguard and restore iconic films. Renowned for his
documentaries "Celluloid Man" and "The Immortals," he honors pioneers like
P.K. Nair while advocating for film preservation. His collaborations include
restoring classics with Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Foundation and supporting
projects like Hitchcock's "The Lodger" through the British Film Institute.
Recognised globally, he serves on prestigious committees like II Cinema Ritrovato
Festival and the Nitrate Picture Show's Honorary Committee.
HIS EFFORTS EXTEND TO EDUCATION, LEADING

PROGRAMS LIKE THE BIENNIAL AUDIO-VISUAL
ARCHIVAL SUMMER SCHOOL (BAVASS) TO
ENGAGE AND INSPIRE FUTURE CUSTODIANS OF
FILM HERITAGE.
TANVI JINDAL
FOUNDER,
MUSEUM OF SOLUTIONS
A dedicated professional revolutionising education for children, prioritising both

meaning and joy in learning. Beginning as a Teach For India Fellow in 2010, she
embarked on a mission to transform education in Mumbai. Her journey continued
with the Akanksha Foundation, where she ascended to Vice Principal at D. N.
Nagar Municipal School, amplifying her impact on underprivileged communities.
Currently serving as Managing Trustee of the Jindal Education Trust, Tanvi
oversees all educational initiatives, driving innovation and inclusivity.
HER VISIONARY LEADERSHIP LED TO THE CREATION

OF AN EXPERIMENTAL MUSEUM TAILORED FOR
CHILDREN, PROVIDING A UNIQUE SPACE FOR
HANDS-ON EXPLORATION AND LEARNING. HER
RELENTLESS DEDICATION TO EMPOWERING YOUNG
MINDS HAS EARNED HER RECOGNITION AS A
TRAILBLAZER IN EDUCATIONAL REFORM.
PREEMA JOHN
MUSEUM DIRECTOR,
INDIAN MUSIC EXPERIENCE MUSEUM
A seasoned leader in the arts sector, with a wealth of experience in diverse cultural
organizations such as the Asia Society India Centre and the Dr Bhau Daji Lad
Museum. A recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship, also the Head of Art
for Maker Maxity and Deputy Director of the Asia Society in Mumbai. Her
academic background includes a Masters in Arts Administration & Cultural
Policy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a Masters in Arts &
Aesthetics from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
HER CONTRIBUTIONS EXTENDS BEYOND

ADMINISTRATION TO IMPACTFUL PROJECTS FOR
THE INDIAN MUSIC EXPERIENCE MUSEUM WITHIN
THE IMACC INITIATIVE, ADDRESSING CLIMATE
CHANGE THROUGH CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT. AS A
KEY FIGURE IN IMACC, SHE PLAYS A PIVOTAL ROLE
IN SHAPING THE INTERSECTION OF CULTURE AND
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY IN INDIA.
ANUPAM SAH
FOUNDING DIRECTOR,
ANUPAM HERITAGE LAB (INDIA)
PRIVATE LIMITED
As the Founding Director of Anupam Heritage Lab (India) Private Limited

and Secretary of the Himalayan Society for Heritage and Art Conservation, he
has dedicated his career to the preservation and conservation of cultural
heritage. With over two decades of experience, he served as the Director of
Projects at INTACH Conservation Institutes for ten years, followed by a
significant tenure as the Head of Art Conservation, Research, and Training at
CSMVS Art Conservation Centre. His expertise extends globally, providing
conservation, training, and consulting services for various governmental bodies,
NGOs, and international institutions including UNESCO, World Bank, and
Harvard University.
A PROLIFIC LECTURER AND AUTHOR, HE HAS

CONTRIBUTED EXTENSIVELY TO THE FIELD,
RECEIVING ACCOLADES SUCH AS THE SANSKRITI
AWARD, KNIGHTHOOD OF THE ORDER OF THE STAR
OF ITALY, AND UNESCO-ASIA PACIFIC HERITAGE
AWARDS. RECENTLY, HE WAS HONORED WITH THE
MARWAR RATAN AWARD 2023 FOR HIS
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO ART
CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION.
JAHNAVI PHALKEY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
SCIENCE GALLERY
A multifaceted figure, blending her expertise as a filmmaker and historian of

science and technology. After a stint at King's College London, she embarked on
a remarkable journey, becoming the Founding Director of Science Gallery
Bengaluru and Sir Asutosh Mukherjee Visiting Professor at the National
Institute of Advanced Studies. Her international acclaim includes fellowships at
Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin and a pivotal role as external curator at the
Science Museum London. Jahnavi's scholarly contributions extend to authored
works like "Atomic State: Big Science in Twentieth Century India" and co-edited
volumes like "Science of Giants: China and India in the Twentieth Century."
With editorial roles at prestigious journals like the British Journal for the
History of Science and History and Technology, she continues to shape discourse
in her field. Not confined to academia, Jahnavi's creative endeavors manifest in
her directorial role for the documentary "Cyclotron" (2020).
HER COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING RESEARCH IS

EVIDENT IN HER INVOLVEMENT WITH THE OPEN
RESEARCH AT PUBLIC LAB COMPLEX, EMPHASIZING
COLLABORATION AND EXPERIMENTATION FOR
BOTH YOUNG ADULTS AND EXPERTS ALIKE.
ANJANI KUMAR SINGH
DIRECTOR GENERAL,
BIHAR MUSEUM
Anjani Kumar Singh a retired distinguished civil servant is currently serving as

the Director General of Bihar Museum. A notable career trajectory, where he held
pivotal roles including Principal Secretary at the Department of Education and
Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister. Renowned for his dedication to
education, he spearheaded the successful implementation of flagship programs like
the 'Mukhyamantri Bicycle Yojna' and 'Mukhyamantri Akshar Anchal Yojana,'
significantly contributing to Bihar's literacy enhancement. His relentless efforts in
this domain were acknowledged with the prestigious UNESCO prize for Literacy,
presented by the President of India.
ANJANI KUMAR SINGH'S LEADERSHIP IN HIS

DIRECTION FOR THE BIHAR MUSEUM BIENNALE 2023,
WAS A TRANSFORMATIVE EXHIBITION FOSTERING
CULTURAL DIALOGUE AND INNOVATION. AS
DIRECTOR GENERAL OF BIHAR MUSEUM, HE PLAYED
A PIVOTAL ROLE IN CONCEPTUALIZING AND
EXECUTING THIS LANDMARK EVENT.
JAN
MUSEUM 20
NEWS 23
JANUARY
JAN
Source: RAJA DINKAR KELKAR MUSEUM GOES THE

TIMES OF INDIA
METAVERSE WAY
The iconic Raja Dinkar Kelkar museum located at

Bajirao Road becomes the first museum in the country to
adopt virtual reality, attempting to reach a wider
audience across the world and to enhance revenue.
Source: AIR INDIA TO HAND OVER ITS PRICELESS ART

INDIA TODAY COLLECTION TO NGMA FOR PUBLIC DISPLAY
Air India to hand over its priceless collections of around

4,000 paintings and sculptures of famous artists to the
National Gallery of Modern Arts (NGMA) for their
preservation and public display.
Source: C-DAC PUNE STARTS BACKGROUND WORK ON

DECCAN HERALD THE TECH DOME PROJECT
The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-

DAC) Pune has started background work on the Central
Vista Redevelopment Project’s tech dome where various
government agencies will display their achievements with AR
VR technologies.In a bid to give a virtual tour of various
museums and ancient objects, the C-DAC Pune team under
‘heritage computing’ last year had developed a unique mobile
application ‘Museums of India’ through which anyone can
access to the museum collections on their fingertips.
FEB
MUSEUM 20
NEWS 23
FEBRUARY
FEB
Source: TAMIL NADU GOVT ISSUES ORDER ON

TIMES OF INDIA
BIODIVERSITY MUSEUM
The state government issued an order to set up a

biodiversity museum and a conservation centre with an
eco-park at the recently notified Agasthiyamalai Elephant
Reserve, which shares the landscape with the Kalakad
Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR).
Source: JORASANKO THAKURBARI TO GET GALLERY

INDIA TODAY ON RABINDRANATH TAGORE'S ITALY VISITS
Rabindranath Tagore visited Italy quite many times, for this

reason, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between
the Consulate General of Italy in Kolkata and Rabindra
Bharati University to set up a permanent gallery on the
premises of Rabindra Bharati Museum (Jorasanko
Thakurbari, Tagore's house) to commemorate the Nobel Prize
winner's visits to Italy in 1878, 1925 and 1926.
Source:
WORKING ON SETTING UP A G20 MUSEUM
DECCAN HERALD
Protection and restitution of cultural heritage will be the

theme for the first G20 culture track meet slated to be held
from February 22-25 in Madhya Pradesh's Khajuraho.Will be
working on setting up a G20 museum and trying to source at
least one key artefact from member nations.
MAR
MUSEUM 20
NEWS 23
MARCH
MAR
Source:
INDIA'S MUSEUMS, CULTURE DEPARTMENT
NEW INDIAN
EXPRESS OFFICES FACE STAFF CRUNCH
Various cultural organisations, including national-level

museums and affiliated offices under the Ministry of
Culture, have been functioning with at least 38 per cent less
staff. This includes Group A and B officers. More than
35 per cent of Group A posts are vacant in majority of the
institutions, according to the ‘Demands for Grants (2023-24)
of Ministry of Culture' report by the standing committee on
transport, tourism and culture.
Source: NATIONAL CAPITAL TO NOW HOST

THE HINDU
KHAJURAHO EXHIBITION ON REPATRIATED
ARTEFACTS
The exhibition showcasing 26 repatriated Indian antiquities,

put up at the Khajuraho G20 culture group meeting, would
now be displayed in the national capital in a bid to keep the
spotlight on the prevention of illicit trafficking of antiquities.
Source: JAMINI ROY’S HOME TO BE TURNED INTO

TELEGRAPGH INDIA MUSEUM AT BALLYGUNGE PLACE
DAG announced its intention to turn Jamini Roy's house in

Ballygunge place into India’s first private single-artist museum
and cultural resource centre on the life, work and times of this
pioneering artist. Gallery intends to renovate the three-storey
house with the help of restoration architects and designers
before turning it into a museum.
MAR
Source: ARCHITECT GEOFFREY BAWA’S FIRST SHOW

INDIAN EXPRESS IN INDIA OPENS IN DELHI
Architect Geoffrey Bawa’s archives will be presented in India

by the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA); the
Ministry of Culture, Government of India; the High
Commission of Sri Lanka, New Delhi; with the Geoffrey
Bawa Trust, Colombo. This event is also a celebration of the
75th anniversary of Indo-Lanka Diplomatic Relations.
Source:
INDIAN EXPRESS
SALAR JUNG MUSEUM GOES VIRTUAL
The Salar Jung Museum has started a special online

exhibition, showcasing the digitalised versions of its rare
collection of sculptures, paintings, carvings, textiles,
manuscripts, ceramics and artefacts. These centuries-old
collections, along with various details including their
history, are on virtual display on the Google Arts and
Culture platform.
Source:
THE HINDU
T.N. CM STALIN OPENS KEELADI MUSEUM
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the much-awaited

Keeladi museum, a testimony to the regal life lived by ancient
Tamils during the Sangam Age, in Sivaganga district.
APRIL
MUSEUM 20
NEWS 23
APRIL
APRIL
Source: GOVT PLANS TO SET UP FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND

LIVE MINT
NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH MUSEUM
The government in the process of establishing a

first-of-its-kind National Public Health Museum to showcase
models, specimens and studies related to public health.
Source: NEW YORK MUSEUM TO RETURN 15

TIMES OF INDIA ANTIQUITIES TO INDIA
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has announced

that it will return 15 antiquities to India, following the revelation
that the artefacts were illegally taken from the country.
Source: VANDE BHARAT EXPRESS ARRIVES AT JOSHI’S

EDONOMIC TIMES
MUSEUM OF MINIATURE RAILWAYS
A miniature train cruising on a model railway track with

exact working models of actual trains operated by the Indian
Railways. These trains are part of the exhibit at the
Pune-based Joshi's Museum of Miniature Railways
Source:
FASCINATING ITEMS AT ST JOSEPH’S MUSEUM
DECCAN HERALD
One of the oldest educational institutions in Bengaluru, St Joseph’s

Boys’ High School (SJBHS) opened its Museum of Memories,
displaying fascinating memorabilia from its 165-year history.
APRIL
Source: U.P’S FIRST FISH REPOSITORY COMES UP IN

HINDUSTAN TIMES
LUCKNOW
A National Fish Museum and Repository with a collection of

1,900 fish species from across India is set to open on April in
Lucknow on the campus of the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish
Genetic Resources. The institute said it is the first fish
museum and repository in the state and has the largest
collection of preserved fish.
Source:
MUSEUM TIES UP WITH NMNH FOR GREEN
TIMES OF INDIA CAUSE
Several thematic exhibitions, online and offline seminars,

workshops and sessions based on biodiversity, nature and
environment organised in the state museum. A memorandum
of understanding was signed between National Museum of
Natural History (NMNH) and State Museum Lucknow
(SML) at the tourism directorate to upgrade the state museum
after learning several techniques from NMNH.
Source: PROCESS TO REPATRIATE HUMAN

DECCAN HERALD REMAINS OF NAGAS FROM UK MUSEUM
UNDERWAY
The Pitt Rivers Museum (PRM) in Oxford, which houses 213

human remains of Nagas among other artefacts from across
the globe, had in 2020 announced it would remove the human
remains and other "insensitive exhibits" from the display.The
process to repatriate the human remains of Nagas from a
museum in the United Kingdom is underway, with a collective
at the helm of the initiative.
MAY
MUSEUM 20
NEWS 23
MAY
MAY
Source: PM TO INAUGURATE INTERNATIONAL

LIVE MINT
MUSEUM EXPO 2023
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the International

Museum Expo 2023 on 18 May at Pragati Maidan.The
International Museum Expo is a significant event organized as
part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations,
commemorating the 47th International Museum Day (IMD).
Source: SENGOL' MOVED TO DELHI FOR

ECONOMIC TIMES
INSTALLATION AT NEW PARLIAMENT
BUILDING
The 'Sengol', symbol of the transfer of power from the British

to India, has been moved to the national capital ahead of the
inauguration of the new Parliament building. The whole
collection of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru has
been kept in Allahabad Museum and the historic 'Sengol' was
transferred to the National Museum last year.
Source: TAMIL NADU TO CONSTRUCT GRAND

DECCAN HERALD PORUNAI MUSEUM IN TIRUNELVELI
A grand and modern ‘Porunai Museum’ to display artefacts

unearthed from Korkai, an ancient port of the famed Pandya
Dynasty, and Sivakalai and Adichanallur, where recent
archaeological excavation created buzz.
MAY
Source: PM UNVEILS PLAN FOR NEW NATIONAL

LIVE MINT
MUSEUM
PM Modi unveiled the plan for what is set to be the world’s

largest museum, Yuge Yugeen Bharat, which will capture
5,000 years of India’s history
Source: INDIA PLANS REPATRIATION OF KOHINOOR,

ECONOMIC TIMES COLONIAL ARTEFACTS FROM UK
India is planning a repatriation campaign for artefacts dating

back to the colonial era, including the controversial Kohinoor
diamond and other idols and sculptures in museums across UK.
Source: SANDESH MUSEUM OF COMMUNICATION

DECCAN HERALD
REOPENS
Bengaluru's rich heritage in communication and postal services

comes alive once again as the Sandesh Museum of
Communication reopened its doors on World Museum Day.
Source: REVAMPED PATNA MUSEUM WITH

DECCAN HERALD EXTENSION WINGS TO BE INAUGURATED
The historic Patna Museum, home to a rich collection of

ancient artefacts and rare paintings, will soon be closed to
visitors to undertake restoration and revamp of its 95-year-old
building as part of a redevelopment project.
JUNE
MUSEUM 20
NEWS 23
JUNE
JUNE
Source: RARE HANDWRITTEN LETTER BY

ECONOMIC TIMES
RABINDRANATH TAGORE FETCHES RS 21
LAKH AT ONLINE AUCTION
A handwritten letter from Rabindranath Tagore expressing

his reservations about English translations of his short stories
sold at an online art auction for more than Rs 21 lakh. The
letter addressed to Satyabhushan Sen was part of AstaGuru's
'Collector's Choice' Modern Indian Art.
Source: TIRUNELVELI MUSEUM GETS TWO NAYAK-

TIMES OF INDIA
ERA STATUES
Two Nayak-era statues aged at least 400 years, that were

recovered from the Thamirabarani near Muthalankurichi
village in Tuticorin district two years ago, were installed at
the Tirunelveli Government Museum.
Source: CHILDREN'S ART MUSEUM OF INDIA

ASIAN NEWS
INTERNATIONAL UNVEILS FIRST EVER CHILDREN'S ART
MUSEUM EXPERIENCE ON ROBLOX'S
GLOBAL PLATFORM
The Children's Art Museum of India (CAMI) made a

significant stride in the world of art education by launching
its inaugural game - Children's Art Museum. This innovative
virtual art experience is hosted on Roblox's global platform,
marking India's first online art museum in the metaverse
designed specifically for children.
JUNE
Source: OFFICIALS DISCOVER CENTURIES-OLD

WORLD IS ONE NEWS
TUNNEL AT A CHILDREN'S MUSEUM IN
DELHI
A centuries old tunnel-like structure was accidentally

discovered at a children's museum in New Delhi. The
discovery of the tunnel, reportedly dating back to the 13th or
14th century, was made during one of the redevelopment
efforts undertaken by Archeological Survey of India.
Source: A NEW DIRECTORY OF MUSEUMS IN INDIA

FINANCIAL EXPRESS
RELEASED DURING INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM
EXPO 2023 IN NEW DELHI
A new Directory of Museums in India released during

International Museum Expo 2023 in New Delhi organized by
the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. It is a treasure
trove of facts, figures and personalities who have given their
best for India’s museums.
Source: MAHARASHTRA TO SET UP MUSEUM ON

DECCAN HERALD
CHANAKYA IN LONAVALA
Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis government has decided

to set up a museum dedicated to Chanakya in the popular hill
station of Lonavala located between Mumbai and Pune.
JULY
MUSEUM 20
NEWS 23
JULY
JULY
Source:
NEW YORK MUSEUM TO EXHIBIT INDIAN
ECONOMIC TIMES SCULPTURE
New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art is hosting an

exhibition of early Indian sculptures containing Buddhist stone
exhibits curated by John Guy. The exhibition, which runs
from 21 July to 13 November, will include a catalogue named
Tree and Serpent: Early Buddhist Art in India 200 BCE-400
CE, and seeks to demonstrate the Deccan region's central role
in the spread of art across early India and beyond.
Source: SANSKAR KENDRA TO BECOME WORLD

INDIAN EXPRESS
HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is planning to

revive Sanskar Kendra, which housed the City Museum, and
convert it into a World Heritage City museum with a cafeteria.
Source: BENODEBEHARI MUKHERJEE'S

INDIAN EXPRESS FORGOTTEN SCROLL FOUND AND
EXHIBITED AFTER 100 YEARS
A 44 foot-long Japanese style handscroll painted by a famous

Indian blind artist nearly 100 years ago has resurfaced and
gone on public display for the first time in the city of his
birth, Kolkata.
JULY
Source:
GOVERNMENT MUSEUM TO GET ITS FIRST
THE HINDU EVER MAKEOVER SINCE 1877
The Government Museum, situated in the heart of Bengaluru

on Kasturba Road, is being restored and curated after close to
150 years. To facilitate this process, the museum along with its
neighbouring Venkatappa Art Gallery will be shut for a year
or more.
Source: A HANDBOOK RELEASED BY THE MINISTRY

FINANCIAL EXPRESS OF CULTURE ON CHALLENGE OF CONSERVING
TANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE
‘Conservation of Tangible Cultural Heritage – An Introductory

Handbook’, released during the International Museum Expo in
New Delhi from May 18-20, 2023, pays its homage to the
pioneering spirit of de Guichen and the visionary works
undertaken by ICCROM across the world.
Source: MET MUSEUM'S 'TREE & SERPENT' SHINES

ECONOMIC TIMES A LIGHT ON EARLY BUDDHIST ART IN
INDIA
The Metropolitan Museum's newest exhibition, "Tree &

Serpent: Early Buddhist Art in India, 200 B.C.E.-400 C.E.",
features over 50 sculptures from India that took over a decade
to gather on loan, making it the first exhibit of its kind in a
United States museum in years.
JULY
Source:
NEW NATIONAL MUSEUM TO GET LOUVRE
ECONOMIC TIMES CONNECT
India is close to finalising a one-of-its-kind partnership with

the iconic Louvre Museum to help design and plan the new
National Museum proposed to come up at the North Block &
South Block atop the Raisina Hill in the national capital.
Source: NEW MUSEUM CELEBRATES ANCIENT

DECCAN HERALD INDIAN JEWELLERY
New Crystal Museum Salon located in Shivajinagar opened

recently. An initiative by C Krishniah Chetty Group of
Jewellers, the space houses a collection ranging from diamond-
studded medals, earrings and golden helmets to pictupictures of
the Nizam’s jewellery — belonging to the pre-independence era.
Source: 16 MUSEUMS PLANNED IN KARNATAKA

DECCAN HERALD
The state government allocated Rs 75 crore towards the

development of tourist destinations in the Kalyana Karnataka
region, including Hampi, Sannati, and Mailara, among others.
It will take up the task of developing 16 museums in the state in
phases, starting with government museums in Kalaburagi,
Gadag and Bengaluru, in the financial year of 2023.
AUG
MUSEUM 20
NEWS 23
AUGUST
AUG
Source:
INDIA'S DEBUT HOTEL ART FAIR OPENS ITS
FREE PRESS JOURNAL DOORS
Artix captivate enthusiasts of art and culture starting,

marking India's inaugural Hotel Art Fair. Artix aims to
achieve its objective by presenting a wide range of Indian art
and culture in a single, spectacular venue, serving as a grand
showcase for the country's rich and diverse artistic heritage.
Source: BIHAR MUSEUM BIENNALE 2023 KICKS OFF

THE HINDU
WITH PROMISE OF ART TUNNEL, CULTURAL
COLLABORATIONS
The second edition of the Bihar Museum Biennale (BMB)

kicked off in Patna. BMB 2023 will last four months and will
see cross collaborations from various Indian and international
museums, including Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, which is the
knowledge partner. A G20 multidisciplinary Exhibition —
Together We Art — will showcase the works of 19 artists from
G20 member nations and nine guest countries.
Source:
NATIONAL RAIL MUSEUM, ARCTIC INVENT
ECONOMIC TIMES
TRADEMARKS 25 HERITAGE RAILWAY
LINES OF INDIA
Intellectual Property consulting firm Arctic Invent, behalf of

National Rail Museum, marked filed 25 trademarks for
India's heritage railway lines on the country's 77th
Independence Day. It covered the names, logos, and insignia of
the heritage railway lines, that symbolised pride, unity, and
the nation's socio-economic progress.
AUG
Source:
NEHRU MEMORIAL RENAMED AS PRIME
HINDUSTAN TIMES MINISTERS’ MUSEUM AND LIBRARY
The Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML)

officially been renamed as the Prime Ministers’ Museum and
Library (PMML) Society.
Source: MUSEUM HOPES TO SOW AGRICULTURAL

DECCAN HERALD
CURIOSITY IN KIDS' FERTILE MINDS
A new first-of-its-kind museum in Bengaluru is aiming to

introduce the evolution of agricultural practices into the lives of
students and the general public.
Source:
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ZOO AND
ECONOMIC TIMES
MUSEUM TO AUCTION FORGOTTEN
VALUABLES
A unique auction featuring precious items left behind at the

Thiruvananthapuram zoo and museum is set to take place,
with forgotten treasures including golden chains, bracelets,
and stone-studded rings up for bidding.
Source:
NIRMALA SITHARAMAN LAYS
DECCAN HERALD FOUNDATION STONE FOR
ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM IN TAMIL
NADU'S ADICHANALLUR
SEPT
MUSEUM 20
NEWS 23
SEPTEMBER
SEPT
Source: INSIDE KATHIKA, A NEW MUSEUM-HAVELI

INDIAN EXPRESS
IN OLD DELHI
A haveli-turned-museum and cultural centre in the heart

of Old Delhi, the Kathika Cultural Centre (KCC) hopes
to revive and showcase the cultural heritage of Old Delhi.
Source: RAJA RAVI VARMA ART GALLERY

THE HINDU
INAUGURATED IN THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
New Raja Ravi Varma Art Gallery inaugurated on the Napier

Museum, calling it a tribute to the genius of one of the
foremost artists in the history of the nation.
The new gallery had the largest collection of Ravi Varma

paintings in India, gallery was being opened at a time when the
175th birth anniversary of the artist.
Source:
MUMBAI TO BID ADIEU TO ICONIC RED
THE ECONOMIC TIMES DOUBLE-DECKER BUSES AND COMMUTERS
URGE BEST TO PRESERVE FOR DISPLAY AT
MUSEUM
Mumbai's iconic red double-decker buses, which have been a

part of the city's public transport system for over eight
decades, to be taken off the streets permanently. The decision
sparked calls from commuter groups and bus enthusiasts to
preserve at least two of these historic vehicles in a museum.
SEPT
Source: FROM RIVER TO YOUR TAP: NEW MUSEUM

DECCAN HERALD
TRACES CITY’S WATER JOURNEY
The city’s first water museum, which is due to be opened

by the year-end.Though museum’s building was
inaugurated back in March, the Bangalore Water Supply
and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) did not finalise the design
plan, now, the design plan is ready and the board is also in
the process of installing audio-visual equipment. It will
showcase one of the first water tanks installed in
Bengaluru in 1895.
Source: COWSHED TURNED INTO MUSEUM TO HELP

DECCAN HERALD
REVIVE CHITRAKATHI FOLK ART IN
MAHARASHTRA
In a novel initiative, a folk artist has converted his cowshed

into a museum in a bid to preserve the dying folk art form of
Chitrakathi being practised by the Thakar Adivasi
community in Maharashtra's Konkan region.
OCT
MUSEUM 20
NEWS 23
OCTOBER
OCT
Source: CALCUTTA'S NEW MUSEUM OFFERS AN

TELEGRAPGH
UNPARALLELED GLIMPSE INTO ASTRONOMY
AND SPACE EXPLORATION
A one-of-its-kind museum of astronomy and space science

inaugurated.
The 1,200-artefact-strong repository, which has come up on the

premises of the Indian Centre for Space Physics features rare
documents like handwritten diaries and notes of eminent
scientists and Nobel laureates.
Source:
MINISTRY OF CULTURE ORGANIZES
PRESS INDIA
BUREAU CURTAIN RAISER AND LOGO LAUNCH
EVENT FOR IAADB
Ministry of Culture organized the curtain raiser event for the

India Art Architecture Design Biennale (IAADB ‘23) at the
National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi along with the Logo
launch for the Biennale.
Source: AGUAD INTERACTIVE MUSEUM

CNBC 18 INAUGURATED TO SHOWCASE HERITAGE
AND CULTURE OF GOA
"Aguad Interactive Museum: Goa - The Land, The Struggle,

The People", inaugurated. The Aguad Interactive Museum
presents a captivating approach to storytelling, encouraging
visitors to immerse themselves in the narrative of Goa by using
interactive mediums and cutting-edge technology
OCT
Source: NIZAMI LEGACY JEWELLERS FROM HYDERABAD

TIMES OF INDIA
SHOWCASE HERITAGE JEWELLERY AT
WALLACE COLLECTION, LONDON
The jewellery house unveiled regal pieces at the Wallace

Collection, a renowned national museum. The exhibition
focused on eight pieces that earned them a place in the
Guinness World Records.
Source: BIHAR MUSEUM TO GO FOR SCIENTIFIC

DECCAN HERALD CONSERVATION OF ANCIENT ARTEFACTS
The Bihar Museum here has decided to go for scientific

conservation of some of its ancient artefacts including the
Mauryan period 'Chariot wheel' and ornaments found during
excavation in Kumhrar in 1912 to prevent their further
degradation.
Source: MAHARASHTRA GOVT SIGNS PACT WITH UK

ECONOMIC TIMES
MUSEUM FOR LOAN OF CHHATRAPATI
SHIVAJI'S 'TIGER CLAWS'
The Maharashtra government has signed a memorandum of

understanding (MoU) with the Victoria and Albert (V&A)
Museum in London for a 17th-century weapon believed to have
belonged to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to be exhibited in
India. The MoU sets out the details of a three-year loan
agreement for the unique pair of Tiger Claws or wagh nakh in
the V&A collection.
OCT
Source: MUSEUM TO SHOWCASE RICH

ECONOMIC TIMES
ARCHITECTURAL TRADITIONS OF TEMPLES
TO COME UP IN AYODHYA
A museum to showcase rich architectural traditions of

Indian temples to be built in Ayodhya, 25 acres of land been
identified for the project following a suggestion from
Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Source: INDIA ON CANVAS' EXHIBITION AT OMAN

ECONOMIC TIMES
NATIONAL MUSEUM SHINES SPOTLIGHT
ON INDIA'S CONTEMPORARY ART
Indian modern art of iconic artists like Raja Ravi Varma,

Nandalal Bose, Jamini Roy, and Amrita Sher-Gil which has
been displayed at a separate Indian gallery named 'India on
Canvas' at Oman's National Museum. 'India on Canvas'
showcases masterpieces of modern Indian painting from the
collection of the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in
India's national capital New Delhi.
Source:
NATIONAL TIGER CONSERVATION
HINDUSTAN TIMES
AUTHORITY TO ORGANISE ART
EXHIBITION IN DELHI MARKING 50 YEARS
OF PROJECT TIGER
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change in
collaboration with the Sankala Foundation organised an art
exhibition titled, "Silent Conversation: From Margins to the
Centre", from November 3 to November 5 at India Habitat
Centre.
OCT
Source:
FOUR DURGA IDOLS TO BE ON PERMANENT
DECCAN HERALD
DISPLAY IN KOLKATA'S ALIPORE JAIL
MUSEUM
Four community Durga idols of Chaltabagan, Amra Sabai

Arjunpur, FD Block and Chetla Agrani handed over to be
housed in the state-run Alipore Jail Museum by the organisers.
Source:
MYSURU’S MUSEUM OF DOLL DISPLAYS
DECCAN HERALD
A new museum of dolls opened in Mysuru.The Kaladevi Doll

Museum has been set up by Ramsons Kala Pratishtana.
The huge collection includes about 5,000 dolls from different
parts of India.
Source: BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY TO

DECCAN HERALD
COME OUT WITH E-MUSEUM
In a mega initiative, the Bombay Natural History Society

(BNHS) with 1,38,000 specimens of mammal, bird, bird egg,
reptile, amphibian, fish and insects is in the process of complete
digitisation to make what would be the biggest e-museum.
NOV
MUSEUM 20
NEWS 23
NOVEMBER
NOV
Source: RS 10 CRORE PROJECT APPROVED FOR

DECCAN HERALD OCEANARIUM, MARINE MUSEUM IN KOLLAM
The Kerala government on Friday approved Rs 10 crore to set

up an oceanarium, set to be located on the Thirumullavaram
coast near Thangassery, the project aims to provide visitors with
a unique experience to delve into the mesmerising beauty of the
ocean. Operated by the State Coastal Development Corporation,
the project will not only feature an awe-inspiring oceanarium but
also house a marine biological museum
Source: MEGHALAYA EYEING HERITAGE TOURISM,

ECONOMIC TIMES
PLAN TO HAVE SMALL MUSEUM AT OLD
ASSEMBLY BUILDING
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has stressed leveraging the

tourism potential of heritage sites in Shillong and other parts
of Meghalaya while asserting that there is a plan to open a
small museum in a portion of the historic old Assembly
building in the capital city.
Source:
MUSEUM DISPLAYING REMNANTS OF THE US
DECCAN HERALD
AIRCRAFT USED DURING THE WW-II OPENED
IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH
A museum displaying the remnants of the US aircrafts, which

THE HUMP had disappeared over the skies of Arunachal Pradesh during
WWII the WW-II opened at Pasighat, a small town in the frontier
state. Artifacts on display in the museum include 80-year-old
MUSEUM rusting wreckage and machine guns of the 590 planes of the
Allied Forces, mainly the US forces which disappeared into
the hills and jungles in Arunachal Pradesh.
DEC
MUSEUM 20
NEWS 23
DECEMBER
DEC
Source:
HUNGARY PLANS TO TURN AMRITA SHER-GIL’S
HINDUSTAN TIMES
LAHORE RESIDENCE INTO MUSEUM
On her 82nd death anniversary, the Hungarian embassy, in

collaboration with the Punjab University College of Art and
Design, organised a ceremony to install a commemorative
plaque at her residence here in the capital of Pakistan’s Punjab
province and Hungarian embassy, in collaboration with the
Punjab University College of Art and Design were going to
turn Amrita’s residence into a museum.
Source:
ACCOUNTANCY MUSEUM OPENS IN NAGPUR
THE LIVE NAGPUR
A new Accountancy Museum inaugurated by members of

the Institute of Chartered Accountancy in India (ICAI)
Nagpur Branch at KDM Girls College (Smt.
Kaushalyadevi Maheshwari Mahavidyalaya) in
Nagpur. All of the India's historical data on chartered
accounting are housed in the museum.
Source: INDIA BIENNALE KICKS OFF AT RED FORT,

NDTV
7 THEMES FOR 7 DAYS
India Art, Architecture and Design Biennale kicked off at the

historic Red Fort with thematic pavilions set up in three
British-era barracks of the Red Fort.
Each day of the event has a different theme complemented by

exclusively curated exhibitions by seven distinguished curators,
with themes as 'Doors of India', 'Gardens of India', 'Baolis of
India', 'Temples of India', 'Architectural Wonders of Independent
India', 'Indigenous Design' and 'Women in Architecture and
Design' and have been named as 'Pravesh', 'Bagh-e-Bahar',
'Sampravah', 'Sthapaya', 'Vismaya', 'Deshaj' and 'Samatva'.
DEC
Source:
CHILDREN GET A NEW MUSEUM OF
LIVE MINT
SOLUTIONS IN MUMBAI
Museum of Solutions, a newly opened a not-for-profit children’s

museum designed as a large educational laboratory with
learn-through-play devices and programming.
Source: GETTY AND PARTNERS PRESENT A NEW

GETTY EDU
MODEL OF INTERNATIONAL CO-CURATION
AND COOPERATION
In an unprecedented approach in India, objects were chosen by

Indian curators to take their place in Indian narratives of
antiquity, joining and complementing cultural storytelling from
ancient Greece and Rome. Curators from CSMVS chose
sculptures and other objects from the Berlin State Museums
and the British Museum.
Source: MAMATA BANERJEE INAUGURATES MUSEUM

ECONOMIC TIMES AT STATE ASSEMBLY
West Bengal Chief minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated a

museum at the Assembly House on Monday. The rich cultural
heritage and history of Bengal, role of Bengal in the freedom
movement and freedom fighters, Bengal's renaissance have been
showcased in the new museum using models and photographs.
DEC
Source:
EXPENDITURE OF RS 305.36 CRORE MADE
ECONOMIC TIMES
TILL NOV 30 FROM ALLOCATED BUDGET FOR
PM MUSEUM: GOVT
An expenditure of Rs 305.36 crore been made till November 30

from the allocated budget of Rs 340.33 crore for the
Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya project, the government informed
Lok Sabha.
Source:
MUSEUM DEDICATED TO DALAI LAMA
DECCAN HERALD
INAUGURATED IN MCLEODGANJ
A new museum dedicated to Buddhist religious leader

Dalai Lama inaugurated in Mcleodganj. The museum will
begin a new chapter in the state’s religious tourism.
Source:
ECONOMIC TIMES 5,000-YR-OLD INDIAN TEXTILES EXHIBITED
AT AZERBAIJAN'S ICONIC CARPET MUSEUM
Over 15,000 exhibits dating back to the 17th century,

adding to the list the Indian textiles from 5,000 years ago
housed in Azerbaijan carpet museum, Baku.
Can government museums be a viable
career option?
ANICA MANN
LEAD ICONIC SITES , CULTURAL
ADVISOR , CURATOR , FOUNDER
Delhi Houses
CAN GOVERNMENT MUSEUMS BE A VIABLE ANICA MANN
CAREER OPTION?
Museums in India house some of the most intricate artefacts from

different sites that hold within them a deep iconographical code for
Indian philosophies. If one were to decode each object, the intense
intellectual tradition guiding its traits would be rather overwhelming for
the general audiences. Despite the wealth of objects and the security threat
of a deeply sophisticated antiquity looting network, the government
museum bodies in India suffer from the absolute lack in manpower that
can academically engage the visitor with the object or the collections as a
whole. Why is that?
Museums are managed by the central government, state governments,

district governments, autonomous bodies, private foundations and trusts.
While the government understands the need for a museum and the
importance of story telling there is an absolute gap in academic and
curatorial manpower in the machinery of the museum. Is it because we
lack the right manpower in the country? Are parents still telling their
children humanities are for failures? Who is running our museums today?
What is their background?
All museums have a Museum Director or Director General, they have

curatorial positions and other pertinent jobs, yet the museum remains an
unengaging and defunct space almost mimicking a repository and not the
lucid arena of academic and visual engagement one would expect in this
throbbing economy. One must ponder as to why this may be because the
landscape for museums still seems to be growing. Several new museums
continue to come up. Museums are seen as an intrinsic part of each big
establishment. The Rashtrapati Bhawan has a museum, the Supreme
Court has a museum, even the UPSC examination building has a
museum.
Recently the Bihar Museum became one of the more modern state
government aided museums. Its architecture and collections are
unparalleled. They showcase some of the absolute beacons of Indian art
such as the Didarganj Yakshi, the collection of objects found in
Patliputra, Jain sandstone sculpture – a rarity among most collections,
among other things.
CAREER OPTION?
This museum built itself to international standards when it invited

international architects to participate in the planning of the museum.
Curated programmes and the Bihar Museum Biennale puts a fresh focus
on the programming of the museum. Yet the museum seems to be ageing
before its time.
The Smritivan museum in Bhuj is India’s first of its kind earthquake

museum. It simulates the earthquake experience and breaks down the
science in a hyper contemporary space that is in a city where the building
now serves as one of the most important tourist amenities.
These two museums do showcase that India is looking forward in terms of

its museum infrastructure. It is looking at international standards and
the role museums can play in not only educating its communities but also
becoming invigorating spaces that can be the beacon of history writing
and showcase of Indian culture. Why are museums not yet actively
encouraging academic engagement, patronage, connoisseurship and
engagement of a larger arts community? As new museums are coming up,
older museums are completely behind on upgradation, staffing and in
general keeping with their times. And this may all be rooted in one
problem.
Manpower.
India has several universities teaching art history and archaeology, more
students every year go to study abroad where they become specialists in art
history and museum studies. Indian curators are performing and building
important shows internationally and in South Asia in some of the largest
arts programming events, yet the government bodies do not benefit from
this fresh and dynamic pool of experts and specialists. Big museums are
being built all over India by business families such as the Nita Mukesh
Ambani Cultural Centre, The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, the Museum
of Art and Photography, Bengaluru among several other cultural spaces
like the Hampi Arts Lab.
Why are government bodies still not hiring area specialists in the
museums, galleries, libraries and archives. For example if the Bihar
Museum has to hire a curator it may only do so by putting up an
advertisement for such talent that has prior experience in other
government run museums. It is a well known fact that most of the
government museums lack curatorial inspiration and still align with
chronological exhibitions that do not highlight the importance of story
telling and interpretation.
CAREER OPTION?
Thus, hiring from a pool of curators that have previous work experience
in a governmental museum is unfortunately the reason why curatorial
discourse does not move forward in the museums of Indian antiquity.
While independent academia has moved forward in the sphere of culture,

it does appear that the culture still remains a diplomatic tool for the
government where museums are simply showing event based knee jerk
curations, instead of becoming beacons of academic, aesthetic and
cerebral engagement.
Besides curators the government machinery does not take into account
programme curators, that build a larger vision for the museum for the
year where sustained efforts are seen in a more holistic way making the
museum the epicentre of Indian culture.
A ray of hope is seen in the recent programming efforts of the Ministry of

Culture with the India Art, Architecture and Design Biennale 2023 held
at the Red Fort and the International Museum Expo 2023. While these
are critical in putting forward the importance of cultural programming
for the country, these large format events seem to be championed by a
passionate few and not as part of the country’s programming on a
sustainable basis. The establishment of the Ministry of Culture’s GLAM
division in 2024 (Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museum Division)
is a forward step in acknowledging the lack of skilled man-power in most
of the country's museums. This division is looking at the talent of the
future. But what about the talent India has right now?
The critical need to open up more positions to existing specialists in the

field with rigorous academic training in liberal arts, curation, museum
studies, art history, archaeology, languages is required to start building
the story of India from the time of pre-history to showcase the antiquarian
might of the country. With the rise of the Global South the Museums
serve as the agency that can invigorate the soft power tools of the country
by placing its history and legacy front and centre of global discourse. Till
now some of the most important scholarship is still referencing colonial
research without much access to the country’s cultural assets.
Perhaps this may be the reason a lot of students studying culture in the
country continue to look for employment abroad and do not engage in
technical courses in culture such as languages, translation of manuscripts,
conservation, indology, and art history because despite the dire need to
digitise, upgrade and curate, the country’s public museums are not
accessible to area specialists in a competitive way offering a sustainable
career option.
CAREER OPTION?
The future is always bright should the work be put in now by this
generation of bureaucrats who understand the need for the country’s
brightest minds to serve in their own museums. The policy for cultural
engagement and employment still remains at a nascent stage which
may not be the worst thing, instead an opportunity to build something
strong for the future.
CREATIVE TOURISM:
Museums as Muse
ASAD LALLJEE
CEO of Avid Learning
CURATOR, Royal Opera House Mumbai
CREATIVE TOURISM : MUSEUMS AS MUSE ASAD LALLJEE
As an avid traveller, museums have become the cultural anchors on my

journeys, offering glimpses into the rich tapestries of art, history, and
culture that define the places I explore. Recently, while in Tokyo, I found
myself captivated by Takashi Murakami's thought-provoking exhibition
at the Kyoto City Museum of Art – a delightful encounter, having
previously met the renowned artist at the grand opening of the Qatar
Museum.
Living in New York City for well over a decade, my cultural quotient was
enriched by frequent visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its
hallowed galleries, brimming with treasures spanning centuries and
civilizations, deepened my appreciation for art and history with every
visit.
Museums like The Met are not just about showcasing art; they are also
powerful catalysts for tourism and the economy. Take the Guggenheim
Museum in Bilbao, Spain, for example. What was once a declining
industrial town transformed into a bustling cultural hub thanks to the
museum's presence. This "Bilbao Effect" demonstrates how a museum can
breathe new life into a city, driving economic growth and inspiring
creativity. I have witnessed this kind of transformation in other places,
too. The Louvre in Paris is perhaps the most iconic example of a museum
that attracts millions of visitors annually, retaining its spot as the most
visited museum in 2023, welcoming 8.9 million visitors last year. Museums
like these create a shared space where people from all walks of life can come
together to appreciate beauty, history, and creativity. They attract
restaurants, cafes, bookshops, and creative businesses, creating a vibrant
cultural district that feels alive and full of possibilities.
As the CEO of Avid Learning, a leading arts and culture programming

platform under the aegis of Essar Group, I have been an ardent observer
and collaborator in the museum space. At Avid Learning, we firmly believe
that museums are a lot more than mere repositories of artifacts and
forgotten histories. They are archives, places of research and reflection,
and have become the cradle for future developments, incorporating the best
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM)
centers to encourage and explore critical thought, provoke deeper reasoning,
and ensure an enthralling experience for the visitor. Museums are living
participants - extensions of our cultures and ourselves.
Over the past decade, we have continuously probed into the evolving role of
these institutions and cultural sites of meaning creation. Through our
multitude of programs, we have spotlighted various aspects of the museum
landscape, examining unique, unconventional, and lesser-known cultural
institutions that form an integral part of the country's evolving cultural
landscape.
As a knowledge partner to the Ministry of Culture, Avid Learning

presented a series of programs throughout 2023 under the leadership of
Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Ms. Mugdha Sinha. We were proud to
support the International Museum Expo 2023 at Pragati Maidan, New
Delhi in its mission to celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of India's
museums. The inaugural event brought together thought leaders, cultural
enthusiasts, and museum professionals shaping the future of the Indian
museum landscape.
We curated the panel discussion ‘Transcending Boundaries’, with leading

museum directors and founders and moderated by me looking at the
evolution of non-conventional museums and their impact on artistic
expression, highlighting the innovative approaches being taken to break
free from established traditions in a new era of cultural engagement.
At the inaugural Art Mumbai last year, I had the privilege of moderating
the discussion titled ‘The Making of a Museum: From Passion to
Institution’ which delved into the remarkable journey of the Kiran Nadar
Museum of Art (KNMA), exploring how it evolved from a personal
passion for art for Mrs. Kiran Nadar into an iconic institution showcasing
South Asian contemporary art.
More recently, Avid Learning partnered with BRIDGES 2024 by RARE to

present a panel discussion on ‘Creative Tourism: Museums as a Muse,’ a
topic close to my heart, looking at how museums serve as catalysts for
tourism that goes beyond the conventional, inviting visitors to actively
engage with art, and culture, and their creative potential.
Avid Learning’s programming is at the forefront of understanding

museums' changing role and scope. Passionate about the evolution of
museums, over the years we have partnered with the leading museums
including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS,
Mumbai), Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai, Museum of Art and
Photography, Bengaluru, Indian Music Experience, Bengaluru, Museo
Camera, Gurugram, and Bihar Museum, Patna to name a few.
As a member of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce &

Industry (FICCI's) Art and Culture Committee, we have co-convened
regular multistakeholder conferences, bringing together renowned scholars,
policymakers, industry professionals, artists, curators, writers, and
representatives from government bodies and corporate houses. Celebrating
India's G20 Presidency in 2023, collaborating with partners, two major
cultural tracker symposiums were organized in Bengaluru and Mumbai.
One of the key focal points of these symposiums was the pivotal role
museums can play as drivers of tourism and catalysts for the growth of
cultural and creative economies. Through insightful panel discussions and
presentations by industry experts, the symposiums explored how museums
can serve as vibrant hubs for artistic expression, educational initiatives,
and community engagement. Participants delved into best practices for
leveraging museums as anchors for cultural tourism, attracting visitors
from around the globe, and stimulating local economies through ancillary
industries such as hospitality, retail, and transportation.
A comprehensive report documenting the insights, learnings, best practices,

and next steps was prepared and presented to UNESCO, New Delhi, and
launched by Ms. Lily Pandeya, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture,
Government of India. This report, along with the forthcoming policy paper
I am contributing to will underscore the multifaceted potential of museums
to not only preserve and showcase cultural heritage but also to generate
economic opportunities, foster creativity, and contribute to sustainable
urban development.
India is a nation blessed with an unparalleled wealth of heritage, boasting

over 12,000 museums that serve as custodians of our diverse histories and
cultures. From the leading national museums to the new-age state-of-the-art
institutions like the Bihar Museum in Patna, the Partition Museum in
Amritsar, the Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum in Bhopal, and the
upcoming Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum, which will showcase the
nation's 5,000-year-old legacy, India's museums have the immense potential
to captivate audiences, ignite curiosities, and propel India's museums to the
forefront of the global cultural tourism landscape.
By leveraging the power of these cultural institutions and positioning them

as driving forces on the global tourist map, we will not only celebrate our
past but also pave the way for the growth of our creative economies,
generating economic opportunities and fostering sustainable urban
development.
As we look to the future, let us embrace the transformative potential of our

museums, recognizing them as catalysts for cultural exchange, engines of
creativity, and cornerstones of a thriving tourism industry.
Musings about
Museums
ASHMITHA ATHREYA
HEAD OF OPERATIONS, TRUSTEE, LEAD STORYTELLER
Madras Inherited
MUSINGS ABOUT MUSEUMS ASHMITHA ATHREYA
As part of International Museum Day, we have two walks happening in

two different museum galleries.
The main goal behind conceptualising walking tours/walks inside

museums was to make these places accessible to everybody, break down the
complex nature of art and artefacts and present them in a manner that
any layperson could understand and connect with. The walking tour in the
National Art Gallery has been designed to provide an understanding of
the art history in Madras, a look at the several styles and mediums of
painting which were prevalent, and a transition into the rise of modern
artists and art. By this, the group gets to experience the journey and
evolution and understand how internal and external elements, aside from
the effects of colonization, affect and influence one another.
On the other hand, the tour through the Police Museum provides insight
into the workings of the curatorial team, as well as the procedures and
actions that they take to create and build a museum that offers visitors
an engaging and participatory experience.
By providing these differences, we believe walking tour participants will

have an informed grasp of the front-end and back-end components of
museum presentation and design.
An additional benefit is that these galleries are housed in historically

significant buildings that are themselves outstanding works of art.
Because of this, the walking tour gives participants a comprehensive grasp
of the space and opportunities to make connections between art and
architecture.
Furthermore, walks like these also help facilitate interaction with people
who have diverse interests and backgrounds, which allows the group to
view the exhibits. Through these walks, museums are seen in a different
light, as a space that is not intimidating but welcoming.
The greater goal for the city's museums is to make them more widely
available and approachable so that people from all walks of life can
benefit from the information they give. It would be fantastic to have
museums that discuss a variety of facets of the city's history and legacy
and provide a springboard for a deeper understanding of the city.
A short brief on the UNESCO
2015 Recommendation concerning
the Protection and Promotion of
Museums and Collections, their
Diversity and Their Role in Society
JUNHI HAN
CHIEF, CULTURE SECTOR
UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia

New Delhi
A SHORT BRIEF ON THE UNESCO 2015 JUNHI HAN
RECOMMENDATION CONCERNING THE
PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF MUSEUMS
AND COLLECTIONS, THEIR DIVERSITY AND
THEIR ROLE IN SOCIETY
Museums are not merely places where our common heritage is preserved-
they are key space of education, inspiration and interaction within
societies. They provide opporunties to foster creativity, imagination and
respect for self and others.
Since its inception, UNESCO has recognised museums as one of its most
important partners for building peace in the minds of women and men,
by adopting in 1960 the first universal instrument dedicated to
preserving and managing museums ‘Recommendation concerning the
Most Effective Means of Rendering Museums Accessible to Eveyrone’
recognising their essential role in education and sharing the cultural
diversity of the World.
Recent years, the mission of museums has been significantly enriched.

Apart from their primary role as institution for care, preservation and
display of heritage, which will always remain as their core function,
today museums are increasingly diversifying their role for social
cohesition, source of creativity and fostering innovative ideas, and
finally as engines for driving sustainable development, notably by
playing a crucial role in various urban regeneration projects across the
globe. They also often serves as platforms where intercultural and inter-
generational inter-cultural dialogue, and cultural diplomacy principles
can be applied. Nowadays, through the use of new technologies, museums
play an essential role in democratising access to culture also.
Reflecting those much enlarged functions and roles museums, UNESCO

adopted in November 2015 the ‘Recommendation concerning the
Protection and Promotion of Museums and Collections, their Diversity
and Their Role in Society’, which constitutes a new step towards
developing and implementing an innovative and open vision of museums
in the 21st Century. The elaboration of the Recommendation was
triggered from the wish to supplement the application of standards and
principles laid down in existing international instruments referring to the
mandate of museums, as well as to their related responsibilities,
especially the last international one entirely dedicated to museums dates
back to 1960 (see above).
A SHORT BRIEF ON THE UNESCO 2015 JUNHI HAN
RECOMMENDATION CONCERNING THE
PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF MUSEUMS
AND COLLECTIONS, THEIR DIVERSITY AND
THEIR ROLE IN SOCIETY
The Recommendation recognises Education and Research, along with

Preservation and Communciation, as primary function of museums. The
Recommendation stipulates that it is only through the knowledge
obtained from research including the study of collections that the full
potential of museums can be realised and offered to the public. Research
constitutes also a critical way for the interpretation, representation and
preservation of collections.
Finally the Recommendation places the compilation of inventories in line

with international standard at the centre of research and education,
there by digitisation of museum collections is highly important in this
digital era. However, this should not be considered as replacement for
the conservation collections. Last but not least, every country is invited to
support museums, in particular, in playing its fundamental roles, such as
preservation, research, communication and education, through
appropriate policies equiped with appropriate funding. In this regards,
partnerships with private sectors becomes increasingly important.
India’s museums display one of the richest collections in the world which
potential to support local communities’ well-being, health, lifelong
learning as well as creation of social capital remains largely untapped.
We hope that the celebration of the Museum Day offers us an opporunity
to reflect on the importance of and contribution to our socieity and
stimulate both public and private stake holders to levarage their full
potential towards our goals to achieve inclusive sustainable development.
Ah! The Splendor of
Museums
KOMAL ANAND
RETD. IAS & DIRECTOR
Urasvati Museum of Folklore

AH! THE SPLENDOR OF MUSEUMS KOMAL ANAND
My story of involvement with Museums goes back to the days of

graduation when I joined the Delhi College of Art to pursue my grand
passion of painting. After five years ,I had to leave abruptly and say
goodbye to my first love to join the Indian Administrative service.
However my sojourn with Art and Culture did not end and while working
as Secretary to the Governor Haryana, I was called upon to set up the
‘Srikrishna Museum’ at Kurukshetra, the revered site where the great
Mahabharata War took place .Dusty winds and degraded infrastructure
sadly blew away any vestiges of its glorious past . The Kurushetra
Development Board headed by the late Gulzarilal Nandaji and Haryana
Government wanted to make this Museum focusing on Sri Krishna as the
epic hero of the Mahabharata. Invaluable guidance provided by late
Dr.B.N. Goswami resulted in a stunning collection focusing on the theme
of the Museum. The inauguration of the Museum in 1990 by the President
of India had a cascading effect on tourism and today it has over 300
visitors daily. This was a great success story which rejuvenated
Kurukshetra as a place of great interest and reverence.
Another opportunity came my way when the INTACH Chapter of

Haryana in collaboration with ASI and the state Government
collaborated to set up a historical war museum to commemorate the three
major historical battles of India. Archaeological Survey of India donated
copies of ancient maps and battle formations , Firmans, etc. Officiating
as DG ASI , I involved professionals from ASI to design the display of
the collectives, which had photographs and letters from the Victoria and
Albert Museum London, the National Museum and the British Library.
The Museum is a tribute to the brave heroes of India who lost their lives
in protection of the motherland. Today the Panipat Museum is managed
by the Panipat Memorial Society and has become a hub of Educational
and Cultural hub of the district of Panipat.
THE URASVATI MUSEUM OF FOLKLORE , GURGAON
Urasvati Museum of Folklore was the culmination of a dream that I had

started conceptualising toward the end of my career in the Indian
Administrative service, and it was a new chapter in my life and in the
cultural evolution of Gurgaon.
The Urasvati Museum of Folklore transports the visitor to the magical

world of folklores and legends. The main focus of the Museum is on
folktales of men and women; kings and queens and speaks of heroic deeds of
warriors and of the common man.
Some speak of the supernatural power of magical adventure. Folk tales

narrate the human experience and the creative aspect of man through the
ages.
The Museum display depended heavily in the collection of folklores

collected by experts from different states. The main challenge was to
transpose this intangible heritage to a visual form. With advice from
experts a plethora of information about miniature paintings displaying
folklore was drawn from the National Museum library and other such
institutions in various states.
The focus of the museum is to preserve the wealth of information and

provide public access to the tangible and intangible culture of the country.
The Museum has covered seven northern and central Indian states of
Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Rajasthan,
Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. The permanent display through dioramas,
paintings, enlarged miniatures is a nucleus of the museum. The arts and
crafts of various states are also on display. Invaluable help in developing
the display was provided by Dr Premlata Puri and Dr.BN Goswami and
other agencies.
Urasvati Museum has become a focal point for visits by school children
and locals who are frequent visitors. The Museum organises workshops
throughout the year to familiarize visitors with the rich culture of the
country vis- a -vis its folk art, folk music and dance, traditional painting,
and most importantly it's rich folklore.
Interactive sessions with students are arranged through quizzes, skits and
plays. Space has been provided to young visitors to touch and use materials
to create their own versions of stories thus engaging them in activities that
help them to discover their own potential creative genius and also increases
awareness of traditional culture .
In recent times an acute need in society has become evident, that is to

connect with art and culture as life in cities has become very routine and
mechanical with no time for tradition and folklore. Comments recorded in
the Urasvati Museum Visitor book bear testimony to the fact that
Urasvati is a haven for families to visit, to appreciate art and participate
in cultural events.
In recent times the linkage between tourism and museums has been in
discussion amongst policy makers. Engaging tourists culturally can generate
a lot of revenue. The ticket money from visitors and sales from souvenir
shops, museum cafes are a great source of income.
On a recent visit to the Whitney Museum Biennial 2024 in New York,

I observed that in spite of a hefty entrance fee, heavy crowds thronged the
museum exhibition. It was a similar story at the MET, New York where
heavy crowds gathered to see a new set of exhibitions organised by the
museum.
A sizable contribution that can be made by the historical and

archaeological museums of the country is to have new and constantly
refreshed collections on display from their collections.
In conclusion it can be said that museums must continue to fulfil their

laudable purpose through meticulously planned artifact displays and
exhibitions.
Single Artist Museums
MANDIRA ROW
RESIDENT CURATOR
Amar Nath Sehgal Private Collection

SINGLE ARTIST MUSEUMS MANDIRA ROW
A rarity as it is, the single artist museum concept has been undervalued
for its contribution to preserve artistic heritage. To define the purpose of
the single artist museums, it is a focus driven space where one understands
the art better once you learn about its maker. The concept rarely allows
you to boast or enhance the artist’s work but is confined to being a mere
mirror of their delivery. Their artistic vision, profound individual
insight that transcend time is displayed and studied to understand their
significance. Our vision and even our future is dictated by the artist’s
identity.
Converting the studio space of the artist, which was the temple to his
creative mind, has given us the advantage of representing his personal
sanctuary. It housed his most intimate moments with himself and his
work. J23 in Jungpura saw some of the bravest trials of his creative
endevours as well as his lowest moments of self-doubt and failure. If
anything, the truest relationship he had with his work was in his studio.
Sehgal was an inventor, a creator who truly enjoyed the making of his
work. Sculpture requires immense patience and time as well as a hunger to
demonstrate oneself in their purest form. If an artist does not fall in love
with the process of creating, he will never be able to succeed in making the
art he is destined for. Catharsis for Sehgal came in the making of his
pieces, more specifically, his bronze works. He was meticulous and deeply
focused in his craftsmanship.
The Single Artist Museum concept allows one to delve into the artist’s soul
through a carefully curated collection that brings together a
comprehensive view of Sehgal’s oeuvre, providing insights into his
creative evolution, influences, and recurring themes. The thematic
arrangement, correspondence, and range of sketches offer visitors an
intimate look into Sehgal's thought process, creative struggles, and
achievements.
They [Archives] are filled with writing, some, of apologies for not being
the person he was asked to be and some where he is truly admired and
congratulated. As an artist, he felt deeply misunderstood, for when he
created, he had admitted his lack of guilt for being true to himself.
The thousands of photographs of his sculptures narrate his unrequited
desire for the arts, as a struggling artist. Over time, he was pressured to
really become famous, for the sake of his own art. And maybe, the
experimentation of various mediums narrates his quest to finally, arrive.
He was in a hurry to prove himself. Everyone was. It was after all, the
time of the birth of an independent nation.
There are documents that he collected of his travels. He was fearless and
bold and dutiful to his art. Most importantly, the art that he created not
for the public spectator, but for his personal conversation with himself
has revealed sides of him that many didn’t have the luxury to uncover.
With history comes stories. There are those who have stories of glory, a
few of failure, and most, no stories at all. It is widely said that history is
written by the survivors. In his case, he wrote his story that allows us to
define it. The irony is that artists have been better understood after their
time and celebrated much later. Maybe it is because there is a part of
their soul that resides in the forms that have been left, some in despair,
but most to become the culture we strive to protect in these temples.
Its left up to us to stitch these stories to protect our culture.
The museum space offers a comprehensive representation of the oeuvre of

an artist’s work from his early explorations to the critiqued masterpieces.
Although I do feel it does injustice to call this a museum. It is more than
just presentation, documentation or promotion. It seems suffocating almost
to consider how limiting it is once we categorize the nucleus of a creative
mind. This space, it’s an education, a moral obligation towards cultural
enrichment in the most unique way. While museums offer us a plethora of
artfrom a multitude of artists, a single artist museum is dedicated to
understanding the artistic spectrum of a single artist.
While this museum started out as an experiment, with one goal only, today
we promise the conservation of a legacy, of the artist of course, but more of
the science of archiving and ensuring that an artist’s contributions to art
history are not forgotten. We as many others, play a vital role in
developing a culture of personal storytelling through art and archives.
The promotion of a singular artistic dialogue, such as Sehgal, stimulates

conversations of rethinking museology in its classical sense. Appreciating
an oeuvre and provide in-depth study for students of art for a single
artist comes at the cost of challenging ourselves of creating a varied path.
There are no two artists who share the same trajectory for us, which
allows us to marvel and learn from one another. With more single artist
museums, we would be able to draw comparisons in fine detail, which can
only benefit the artists of tomorrow. We will be able to decipher from the
various artistic languages and seriously compare their ventures of
individuality and creativity and challenge perspectives.
Unfortunately, an artist is remembered for a handful of works, barely

revealing a lifetime of work that went into creating their style that led
them here. In a museum like ours we allow ourselves to fully understand
their creations by fully accepting their most inner self. Moreover, the
museum engages with the community through exhibitions, workshops,
and discussions, fostering an appreciation of Sehgal's work while
contextualising his relevance in contemporary society.
SUSTAINABILITY IN
MUSEUM
OPERATIONS: Nurturing
the Museum Ecosystem
MEGHNA VYAS ARORA

CURATOR
National Gallery Modern Art,

Delhi
SUSTAINABILITY IN MUSEUM MEGHNA VYAS
OPERATIONS: NURTURING THE MUSEUM ARORA
ECOSYSTEM
In the context of art and sustainability, the museum ecosystem plays a

crucial role in promoting awareness, education, and action. Within this
dynamic landscape of art and environmental consciousness, museums play
a pivotal role in nurturing sustainability through their operational
practices. This piece delves into the adoption of sustainable practices
within museum operations, highlighting their significance in preserving
cultural heritage while minimizing environmental impact. Recent years
have withnessed a growing recognition of museums’ role in advancing
sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. Museums contribute
to a more sustainable future through various avenues, ranging from
conserving cultural artifacts to advocating for policy changes.
By engaging artists, visitors, and communities in sustainability dialogues

through art, museums not only raise awareness but also inspire tangible
change. They collaborate with stakeholders to promote sustainable
practices. Through prioritising energy efficiency, waste reduction, and
community engagement, museums align their operations with
environmental responsibility while safeguarding culture and heritage.
Conservation of cultural artifacts is one of the primary avenues through

which museums contribute to sustainability. As custodians of culture and
history, museums are entrusted with preserving artifacts and artworks.
This involves prioritizing energy-efficient technologies, waste reduction
strategies, and sustainable sourcing for exhibition materials.
Additionally, museums serve as educational institutions, raising awareness
about environmental issues through exhibitions, programs, and outreach
efforts, inspiring visitors to adopt eco-friendly ways.
Sustainable exhibition design practices in museums serve multiple

purposes, including environmental, social, and economic considerations.
These practices prioritise minimising the environmental footprint of
exhibitions while ensuring that they remain engaging, educational, and
accessible to diverse audiences. First and foremost, sustainable exhibition
design reduces the environmental impact associated with the construction,
operation, and dismantling of exhibitions. This includes considerations
such as the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient lighting, and
renewable energy sources.
SUSTAINABILITY IN MUSEUM MEGHNA VYAS
OPERATIONS: NURTURING THE MUSEUM ARORA
ECOSYSTEM
By opting for materials that are responsibly sourced, recyclable, or

biodegradable, museums can significantly reduce their carbon footprint
and minimize waste generation throughout the exhibition lifecycle.
Furthermore, sustainable exhibition design promotes the conservation of
natural resources and biodiversity by minimizing resource extraction and
habitat destruction. By prioritizing the use of recycled materials and
opting for locally sourced materials whenever possible, museums can
reduce the environmental impact of transportation and support local
economies, thereby fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment
among visitors.
Museums have the potential to drive innovation in sustainable practices

by implementing cutting-edge technologies and collaborating with other
institutions and organizations. They can also leverage their influence to
advocate for policies supporting sustainability at all levels. Key aspects of
sustainable practices include prioritising energy efficiency, utilising
renewable energy sources, implementing recycling programs, and
responsibly managing waste. Engaging with the local community fosters
shared responsibility and collective action.Through exhibitions and
programs, museums contribute to a cultural shift towards sustainability
by showcasing environmentally themed artwork and promoting a deeper
appreciation for the natural world.
An essential aspect of the museum's mission should also be to educate

staff, visitors, and the broader community about sustainable practices
and their significant role in preserving cultural heritage and the
environment. By understanding and implementing sustainable practices,
museums align their operations with environmental responsibility while
fulfilling their mission of preserving and sharing culture and heritage for
future generations.
May is for Museums
MUGDHA SINHA
JOINT SECRETARY (GLAM)
Ministry of Culture
Government of India
MAY IS FOR MUSEUMS MUGDA SINHA
As we gear up to celebrate the second edition of the International Museum

Expo (IME), at the Science City, Kolkata it is worth exploring this year’s
ICOM theme focused on ‘MUSEUMS FOR EDUCATION AND
RESEARCH’.
Bringing the IME to the city of Kolkata, that gave India its first
sangrahalaya-the Indian Museum in 1814- from out of a collection of gifts
and donations of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, will allow us a longitudinal
perspective on the role, museums have played since theirestablishment.
While the museum movement in India may have had colonial genesis, the
kaleidoscopic richness and diversity of its material artifacts is genetically
Indian and genealogically as old as its five thousand plus years old
civilizational culture.
The first Directory of Indian Museums with details of 39 museums was

published in 1911. The Census held in the same year, pegged India’s
population at 31.56 crore, which translated into one museum per eighty
lakh people.
In 1959, the then Ministry of Scientific Research and Cultural Affairs,

responsible for museums, published a Directory of Museums of independent
India. Last year, at the inauguration of the first IME, the Hon Prime
Minister launched the latest Directory of Museums in India with
approximately 1200 museums, one-fourth of which have come up in the last
decade alone as a result of central government grants for development of
museums. A Museum Map of India has just been released by the GLAM
Division of the Ministry of Culture.
In the last hundred years, while our population has increased four times
(121 crore as per Census 2011), the number of museums hasgrown by nine
percent and museum per density of population has significantly improved
from one museum per eighty lakhs to one per ten lakhs, yet remains
insufficient given the size of the landmass and its population.
Etymologically, ‘Sangrahalaya’ for Museums, from the vernacular sangreh

or collection of objects, is associated with the curation of the world’s first
public museum in Oxford University out of a private ‘collection of curious-
objects’. Unlike the ancient Greek understanding of museums which were
considered to be the seat of muses, the daughters of memory.
The Allahabad Museum in Prayagraj grew out of Shri Brij Mohan Vyas
aggressive collection drive over a decade starting in 1921, which he termed
as an Ajaibghar. Similarly, the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad owes its
being to Nawab Salar Jung III, a bachelor who devoted his entire life in
crazy pursuit of objects from all over the world. The human urge of
hoarding for the benefit of public display has also given us the-Museo
Camera, Transport Museum in Gurugram, Mysuru, Sulabh Toilet Museum
in Delhi, Aarna Jharna in Jodhpur, Kite and Utensil Museum in Gujarat
as some examples of museums on everyday objects.
The rich collection of a museum is most often than not a matter of

inheritance, but what we do with that treasure is what counts in the
museum experience. Having a huge, rich collection alone, translates into
nothing. As Orhan Pamuk says, “Real Museums are places where Time is
transformed into Space”,
India is a land of smriti. Our ancient Indian traditions have been kept
alive through story-telling and oral transmissions, where the intangible
memory or remembering takes precedence over material evidence.
Therefore, as breweries of memory, museums negotiate the past for its
posterity and act as authentic, anecdotal repositories of tangible history
and intangible heritage of a time, place and its people. This very
intangible diversity of India’s demographic dividend enabled historian
VA Smith to call India an ethnographical museum in itself.
The Hon Prime Minister alluded to this during his address at the IME
2023, when he urged every citizen in the country to archive and preserve
their own personal histories to create museums out of family memorabilia
and memory.
Moreover, our richly engraved monuments with their sculptures, murals

and fresco paintings, rock caves with paleo art, architecturally stylized
step wells, even the naturally landscaped topographies, fossilized flora and
fauna as also the entire intangible gamut of fairs, festivals, traditional,
tribal and folk visual, performance and culinary arts makes not just India
but every home and hearth in the country an open museum. No wonder then
that the traditionalists question the proliferation of museums and call for
de-museumization in appreciation of our indigenous philosophical
understanding of museums as transformational spaces where truth and
beauty aligned for an aesthetic experience distinct from the colonial box
they have got time wrapped in.
The concept of museums is constantly evolving with every innovative

iteration from being a ‘seat of the muses’ to a ‘cabinet of curiosity’ to -the
NCSM and CSMVS that provide access to Museum on Wheels, MAP does
a Museum in a Box, the Kiran Nadar Art Museum is a Museum in a Mall,
Museums on a franchise model like the Wax Museums and Museum of
Illusions down to the latest technology driven Virtual Experiential
Museums available on a URL, or as a 360 degree Van Gogh show and even
better Museums in Metaverse with in-built smart contracts to encash
vanity through Non-fungible Tokens (NFTs).
Besides, changing audience profile, visitor expectations, and the emergence

of new age media, 7D, artificial intelligence driven technologies has
shifted the gaze from the artifact being at its center, to the audience and
its allied concentric circle of engagement through museum programming,
publications, merchandising and gastronomy, that allows museums to
emerge as cultural spaces with enhanced footfalls, repeat visits and
prolonged stay. This holds especially true for persona-based memorial
museums. Mediated by technology, the trajectory of how a museum is
holistically experienced is becoming more layered and inclusive with
emphasis on immersion through a sensorial beyond just the visual.
Louvre, Paris a two-hundred years old Museum with approximately 72000

square meters of display area is the largest Museum by size, that despite
its access control manages to get the largest annual footfalls of 90 lakh (9
million) visitors. Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata in public and CSMVS,
Mumbai in private domain are roughly one hundred-years old with 35
lakh and 15 lakh annual visitors, respectively. The Kevadiya Memorial
with 3700 square meters, is barely five years old and has annual footfalls
upwards of 46 lakhs. The Louvre, Abu Dhabi which opened in 2007 and
the Museum of the Future, Dubai which opened in 2023 have managed to
touch one million visitors in a short span of time, Dubai in just 3 months of
its opening. The Hermitage in Saint Petersberg and The National Museum
of China in Beijing are the second and third largest museums in terms of
size, but in terms of visitor footfalls nowhere in the top ten museums
worldwide. The Vatican Museum in Italy, with barely 70,000 artifacts
draws the second largest footfalls after Louvre Paris.
What draws public to a museum is dependent on a whole host of factors in

how the audience consume or experience a museum which involves a trifecta
of artifacts, mentifacts and sociofacts, setting an age, technology and
audience appropriate context for the museums.
In other words, a quadrant of 4As of arts, artists, audiences and

administration enables a museum to research and interpret the past for the
present, to archive the present for its future and to anticipate the future by
negotiating the challenges of the present traversing through antiquity,
continuity and creativity to allow for both diversity, inclusivity and
innovation. In 2015, UNESCO for the first time recognized the role of
Museums in achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.
Interestingly, as more and more countries grapple with the need for
repatriation of artifacts that originally belonged to them, it begets how we
will choose to address the colonial-decolonization legacy. The Louvre Abu
Dhabi is carved out of long-term loans, the strategy China is hoping to use
to populate its many large size Museums. The other equally important
questions of how we choose and through our ‘way of seeing’ to borrow John
Berger’s phraseology to understand and experience art, its aura, aesthetics
in an age where the consumer values are in conflict with out citizen values.
We live in an age today where ‘I’ is the first commodity, very different
from the times where the genius as Anand Coomaraswamy says was not in
the individual ‘I’ but in the collaborative outcomes of ateliers, hence
paintings or sculptures or monuments did not bear names of individual
artists or architects. And as Walter Benjamin says about ‘art bereft of its
aura in an age of mechanical production’, or what Guy Debord calls a
‘society reduced to spectacle’, with the fetishization of commodity.
Whether the cold rationality of Apollo or the libidinal emotions of
Dionysus will win, or whether immersive will mean one of the other or both-
sensorial or intellectual experience or whether language and semiotics of
curation and narrative content will triumph over technology or vice versa
in an age of over-stimulation, attention deficit and infocalypse causing
fatigue, will need to be well understood and negotiated, especially as
museums compete with one another as also with other forms of infotainment
with futuristic appeal. An age where the visual is preferred over verbal,
and medium (often of technology) is the message, how do we beget quality
to the moment of experiencing, is a question that begs answers.
These questions become important as we embark on an aspirational and

challenging project of setting up of not just India’s, albeit the world’s
largest Museum -the Yuga Yugeen Bharat Museum, by an adaptive re-use
of a hundred years old heritage building that was designed to house the
echelons of our bureaucracy at the North and South Bloc, New Delhi. The
Museum will serve as a collective memory of our rich and varied five
thousand plus years old civilizational history and heritage, through
artifacts, anecdotes, oral histories and community archives.
Much will depend on how we conceive the museum ecosystem and how well
our museum professionals are trained to understand and negotiate this
space, using Einstein framework where, ‘imagination will be more
important than knowledge’, especially as we prepare to usher in the creative
economy and move beyond the age of technology to the age of imagination.
We hope May will enable us to ask questions, evolve answers through

collaborative brainstorming about the ever changing role of Museums in
our lives as also of their future in the country and for the world.
How to make museums
truly accessible to the
public?
THE MAP TEAM

Museum of Art and Photograph, Bangalore
HOW TO MAKE MUSEUMS TRULY MAP,
ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC? BANGALORE
In the heart of Bengaluru, about 10 minutes away from the green shade of
Cubbon Park, stands the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP). We at
MAP want to ensure that the museum as a space and an institution
provides as many points of entry to as diverse a group of people as possible.
MAP opened its doors to the public on 18th February 2023 and in the year
and two months since its inception, we have hosted multiple exhibitions
(such as Inheritance, What The Camera Didn’t See, etc.), workshops
(such as Imagining Form, Act at MAP, etc.) talks, walkthroughs and
youth engagement initiatives.
The architects of the MAP building, Mathew & Ghosh, in collaboration

with Diversity and Equal Opportunity Centre (DEOC), integrated
comprehensive accessibility features in our building design to support a
wide range of disabilities. There is a rampway entrance leading up to the
museum entrance and a spacious lift alongside the staircase leading to the
upper floors. The lift features an operating panel that can be accessed
from a wheelchair. MAP has three all genders restrooms, one of which
also has a baby changing station. Right outside the restrooms, there are
drinking water fountains placed at two different heights– to ensure people
of different statures can access it. Our Auditorium and the Learning
Centre are fitted with an induction loop for people who use hearing aid
with T-coil, and there is a Quiet Room that works as a space to reset and
rest during the museum experience.
Apart from the physical aspects of the building, accessibility is woven into
exhibitions and programmes at MAP. There are sign language
interpreters communicating in ISL at programmes and tactile pieces in
some exhibitions.
ISL Interpretation at the exhibition, Hello & Goodbye:

Postcards from the Early 20th Century
ISL Interpretation at the exhibition, Beyond Theory:

Mapping Feminist Practices in the Contemporary
A visitor interacting with a Tactile Artwork
Hands touching and interacting with a Tactile Artwork

The ground and first floors of the museum have exhibits that are free
and open to all while the floors above are ticketed, housing Jim Lambie’s
Zobop (on view until July 21, 2024), and the permanent exhibitions of
Outside In: Meera Mukherjee and Jaidev Baghel, and
VISIBLE/INVISIBLE: Representations of Women in Art through the
Collection at MAP. But every Tuesday from 2 to 6:30 pm, every
exhibition and programme (including the ticketed installation
and exhibitions) are open and free to the public.
There are touch screens across each floor of the museum that allow for a
digital experience by going through the collections online and engaging in
digital activities particularly curated by the museum such as the Bouquet
of Hope (where you can go through floral paintings and photographs that
are a part of MAP’s collection and send them to someone as an e-bouquet).
There’s a digital gallery on the first floor where visitors can go through
exhibitions curated online.
We also have three ongoing curated exhibitions that people can explore–
Hello & Goodbye: Postcards from the Early 20th Century, Outside In:
Meera Mukherjee and Jaidev Baghel, and VISIBLE/INVISIBLE:
Representations of Women in Art through the Collection at MAP, as well
as installations such as Nek Chand’s sculptures, Arik Levy’s Rock
Formation 420 and Welcome Desk, Tarik Currimbhoy’s Cobra 1/1, and
Ayesha Singh’s Continuous Coexistences.
Apart from these, we are part of collaborative efforts with multiple

stakeholders to make museums inclusive and accessible for all.
Last year in July, we organised and hosted the conference Inclusion in
Cultural Organisations that brought together experts from the arts, as
well as from the broader development sector to highlight and demystify
the complexities of inclusion within the arts. The conference is an annual
event at MAP and next scheduled for September 2024.
In celebration of the International Week of Deaf People, we hosted an

array of events, film screenings, walkthroughs and talks last year. Our
Inclusion team collaborated with organisations like Hear a Million to
present programming that explored the significance of Indian Sign
Language and Deaf culture in our society. We will be celebrating this and
programming around it in September 2024 as well.
MAP has also been a part of Purple Fest: Celebrating Diversity 2024.
Organised by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with
Disabilities in Goa, we hosted a tactile booth offering an exhibition-style
display, accompanied by an exclusive audio guide for a comprehensive
experience.
Beyond programming, events, accessibility features, we are constantly

learning. MAP commissioned a research study to The ReReeti Foundation
to understand the challenges that people with disabilities face while
accessing museums and other arts and cultural spaces. The Inclusion in
Museums: Perspectives of People with Disabilities report can be read here.
MAP is a museum that is democratic at heart, inclusive and accessible
for all. But despite our intentions, we know we can always learn where to
better ourselves and the museum experience. So we hold onto a spirit of
learning, staying open to feedback and collaborations on ways we can
grow. We hope we can start the necessary conversations that can take us
all toward a more inclusive future.
Cultural Futures
of the Museums
PREMJISH ACHARI
CURATOR & ART CRITIC
CULTURAL FUTURES OF THE MUSEUMS PREMJISH ACHARI
To write the future of an institution, the museum, that has majorly dealt
with the past is ironic. Yet, the past is resurfacing through the cracks.
Creating more fissures and ruptures, it breaks through the hardest of
barricades, to activate the dormant civilizational maladies. The history
of museums in this country, especially the ones commissioned by the state
partakes in the governmental narrative making. Therefore, like anywhere
else, in India too, museums are fossilized centers of heritage and culture.
Futurists wanted to demolish museums and libraries. Burn them and
preserve the ashes in a bottle as a display. Interestingly, history in
museums serves such a passive function even now. The heterogeneity and
polyphony of our history are marginalized via the dominant political
rhetorics that are built each day. Hence, museums have to activate
histories and various temporalities including the contemporary, to reclaim
an inclusive cultural history.
The history of the origin of museums is closely tied together with the
advent of European colonialism and nationalism. Each national museum
became the cultural edifice housing the artifacts of a glorious past related
to the classical Greek civilization. Also, they housed artifacts from non-
European civilizations to create a comparative framework to
conceptualize the categories of inferior and superior civilizations. In the
case of museums of modern art, the task was easy to acquire art practices
that broke free from the traditional conventions. A convenient framework
emerged to house artworks that emerged along with industrial modernity
and aligned with the tenets of various modern “isms”. Nevertheless, it
was not easy to develop museums for contemporary art and art practices
that were symptomatic of contemporaneity. This was because contemporary
as a theoretical and temporal condition were both in flux across each
cultural hub. The nature of the contemporary has not been a mutually
agreed upon condition across countries. Despite this, there is an increased
engagement and interaction between the centers and players of
contemporary art.
CULTURAL FUTURES OF THE MUSEUMS PREMJISH ACHARI
It is easy to predict the technological life of future museums. They will be

built on the foundations of advanced technological developments
including rapid changes in the fields of AI, VR and AR. The museums of
the future will be immersive, interactive and inclusive. But what will be
its cultural vision? Will it be inclusive, and representative of the cultural
practices that were marginalized for centuries? Even though the political
domain has become more inclusive due to policies of reservation for the
oppressed, it has not permeated the domain of culture.
The cultural domain is still influenced by the early 20th-century

hegemonic ideas of culture, caste supremacy and nationalistic imagination.
While the political and social domain has challenged these hegemonies,
the field of culture has not been able to do it effectively. Thus, the future
of museums will be greatly revolutionized by the inclusion of
marginalized narratives and perspectives. Many museums already feature
their artifacts, but what is missing is an empowered perspective that
features the oppressed and marginalized as important players in the field
of history and not only as victims.
The museums of the future will be the museums of heterogeneous

perspectives. The task of the future curator is to assemble those
perspectives and be the carer of marginalized thought.
Our journey with Museums
at Museums22
SHALINI BANSAL
CO FOUNDER
HopON India & Museum22
By Desiwalks Tours Pvt.Ltd.
OUR JOURNEY WITH MUSEUMS SHALINI BANSAL
AT MUSEUMS22
For the longest time in human history, museums were huge buildings you’d
visit on the weekends with your family or on field trips from your school.
This changed in 1995. This is when the Museum of the History of Science
in Oxford, now known as the History of Science Museum became the first
museum to launch its website. With this came the detailed, high-
resolution images of artworks, books, instruments, and various artefacts,
in addition to virtual exhibitions.
However, integrating new technological tools with existing systems comes

with its own set of challenges. For instance, the visitor experience curation
process in museums is very unique and complex, and integrating new
technological tools can necessitate a change in mindset along with
extensive staff training. Additionally, budget constraints frequently limit
the ability of museums to adopt advanced technologies.
Why SaaS?
"THE BEST USE OF DIGITAL IS TO NOT MAKE YOU

AWARE OF THE TECHNOLOGY, BUT TO MAKE
YOU AWARE OF THE ART."
- Jane Alexander, Chief Information Officer, Cleveland Museum
This quote perfectly embodies the role of any technology in a museum.

This was the mantra on which we decided to base our user experience
design as we aet off.
However, we soon realised that we needed to go a step further if we were to

deliver a successful solution - the best use of digital would be when we also
allowed the museum teams to focus not on the technology, but on their art.
Therefore, delivering a centralised solution that improves user experience,
simplifies operations, cuts down the mundane and continues to update and
innovate would work the best.
SaaS seemed to be the answer to most of these questions- instead of

parachuting into a system, it was known to effortlessly mesh with existing
setups. We felt it would, therefore, ease the typical hurdles of
technological adoption in the cultural sector.
AT MUSEUMS22
We started on our journey with museums with this understanding and

established the first SaaS based audio guide mobile application in
the country.
SaaS, or Software as a Service, is a cloud-based method where clients

subscribe to an application instead of purchasing it for a one-time
installation. SaaS, in short, refers to a serviced software that is well
managed for the client- museum and reduces its burden significantly.
While there are many reasons for a museum to adopt SaaS, the most
important one is the assurance of getting a risk-free, tried and tested
solution.Additionally,a cloud based solution does not need deployment
of servers on museum premises and reduces the hassles of maintaining
hardware and cost of staff. The entire software and content is hosted
on our (service provider’s) cloud.
What features to build?
While our SaaS based audio guide app technology was adopted in
many museums and by users across geographies, we were still trying to
understand and develop the other features and services that museums
could benefit from.
We increasingly felt the need for museums to embrace a data-driven

approach that enhances user experience, as well as, aligns museum
operations more closely with their mission and goals. In this way,
building a data analytics dashboard in addition to our real time user
dashboard became important. We hope that it will soon become a
cornerstone of the museum policy-making process.Features like heat
maps and ability to generate infographics of app usage over defined
periods of time at the click of a few buttons provide the museum team
important data at a glance.
As a robust backend CMS and dashboard was getting built, we

could not ignore our front end user- the museum visitor. Recently,
during our collaboration with the Valmik Museum in Amritsar,
we enhanced visitor experiences by leveraging an app to synchronise
multilingual audio commentary with videos playing on screens in
the galleries of the museum.
AT MUSEUMS22
We have been working with the Directorate of Museums and

Archaeology in Gujarat to transform how visitors interact with cultural
heritage by providing seamless access to various museums across the
state, all within one application. The app promotes lesser known
museums by juxtaposing them with the most visited ones and improves
accessibility for the local population by offering audiovisual tours in
Gujarati in addition to English. In our experience with many museums
in India and then the Aviation Museum of Kentucky,Lexington, we
realised how QR codes universally allow visitors to engage more
conveniently with the displays, sparking curiosity and increasing
interaction with artefacts.
Behind the scenes
Our largest investment in the last financial year was our transition to a
new software platform, which allows us to serve our users more
effectively without any costs for our clients. This kind of a benefit is
only possible for a museum that uses Software as a Service (SaaS).We
shifted from an older system (Yii2) to a more modern and supportive
framework called Laravel. Laravel helps us build and manage our web
services better by providing improved tools and resources, which makes
it easier for our developers to maintain and enhance our
applications.The new system, Laravel, improves our team’s efficiency
with its straightforward and powerful tools. It enhances the security of
our services, protecting against common online threats. For the app
users, the speed and efficiency of our apps is now much higher, thereby
leading to a much better experience.
Adopting SaaS opens up numerous possibilities for museums. While
paying subscription fees, museums do not have to pay additional fees for
tech advancements, features, hiring tech staff and other costs that
usually come with building and managing technologies.
It also gives access to exclusive features to museums.
In our case, Museum22 is rolling out a series of new interactive and

engaging experiences on all our apps that are specifically meant for
children. This increases the value of the app for our museums, and in
turn, benefits visitors greatly.
We believe the time has come for museums to understand and reap the
benefits of SaaS for enhancing visitor experiences and we are here to
help them!
NEW MUSEUM TRENDS:
Designing a Documents Museum
DR. SHIKHA JAIN

DIRECTOR & CHAIRPERSON
DRONAH Foundation
NEW MUSEUM TRENDS: DESIGNING SHIKHA JAIN
A DOCUMENTS MUSEUM
The museums in India are taking a quantum leap with more expansions,
innovative new ideas for displays and an increasing footfall across the
country. The earlier ‘touch me not artefacts’- oriented museums are now
evolving into more interactive community spaces with regular outreach
programs, digital displays and a robust social media to engage one and
all. However, the museums in India have yet to become the true resources
for ‘research and education’ which is the theme of this International
Museum Day 2024. At present, probably just 10 percent of Indian
museums focus on these two critical aspects that should actually be the
foundation stone for any museum. While it is easier to display
aesthetically pleasing historic artworks and antiquities, one of the most
challenging designs is to display archival documents and historic maps in
an engaging manner. Recently, a number of museums in India are making
efforts to display original documents with research and interpretation.
Here are few examples that indicate the ways and means to communicate
their meanings to the larger public.
The Rajasthan State Archives Museum at Bikaner contains the historical

records of 16th -19th centuries including Nishans, Akbarat, Arzdasht,
Persian Farmans, Vakil Report, Khatoot and Manshurs. These documents
are important records of communication between the Mughals and the
Rajputs. The most unique document is the 5.6 meters long Purandar
Treaty written on paper comprising 99 lines in beautiful Nastaliq style of
Persian (Farsi) dated 1665 CE. This decree mainly comprises of the
treaty conditions between Aurangzeb and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
where Mirza Raja Jai Singh played a major role in drafting and getting
this treaty signed. The biggest design challenge was to design the display
case and interpretation for this long treaty. The display case incorporates
a pull-out drawer of 6 metres for the treaty to be taken out horizontally
without folding it in any manner as per conservation norms. The paper
conservation work was carried out by IGNCA. The treaty is interpreted in
a fluid vertical display with visuals of historic paintings on a backlit
panel to communicate the complete story of the events that lead to the
signing of this document by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
A DOCUMENTS MUSEUM
Display case and Interpretation of Purandhar Treaty at Rajasthan State

Archives Museums Bikaner
In another case, the City Palace Museum, Udaipur provides an example

of an internationally funded exhibition of its old maps as an outcome of
the Paper Project grant awarded by The Getty Foundation in 2021. The
initiative helped to fund print and drawing projects and make collections
more accessible to 21st century audiences. The grant allowed to showcase
works from the City Palace Museum's never-before-exhibited collection of
2,000 maps, architectural drawings, and landscape views, as observed in
the ongoing exhibition in Udaipur and forthcoming catalogue that will
examine artistic representations of the "City of Lakes" alongside
topographical maps and plans. Besides this, it provided an opportunity
for their guest curator Shailka Mishra to study and present shifts in the
visualization of architecture and landscape over more than two centuries,
tracing how Udaipur artists responded to transformations in cartographic
practice. It is an excellent example of capacity building of young curators
for more extensive research while conserving and showcasing the lesser-
known documents from the reserve collection.
A DOCUMENTS MUSEUM
Ongoing installation of the Shunya and Word Pole at the Museum of Word
The ongoing Museum of Word at the National Library, Kolkata under

the Ministry of Culture makes the difficult undertaking of exhibiting the
multilingual oral and written diversity of Indian Languages.
The galleries look at the evolution of languages in the subcontinent along
with the major linguistic trends. The museum is an ambitious attempt to
bring a cohesive understanding of all the Indian languages under one
roof. This museum is going to be the first of its kind in India displaying
objects related to the cultural and social importance of languages going
beyond just the written word and diving into a rich canon of oral
traditions in the country.
The orientation galleries start with Nothingness and the Sound, Aaadi
Vak or the first word, Matrabhasha and Navrasa. The History of
Languages covers galleries on Bhaasha Ki Samayrekha, Charit Sagar
and the Library Movement. The dynamism of Indian Languages is
captured in the galleries on Boli Aur Katha, Nritya Aur Kala and
Vishwa Samvaad.
A DOCUMENTS MUSEUM
The museum integrates artefacts and interactives to create dynamic

activity centres. The museum visit is based on curating knowledge in
addition to the already retained language skills inherent to visitors. The
resultant outputs form an interactive based activity centre cum cultural
museum space are the hands-on learning experience, which creates a longer
and lasting impression on the minds of the visitor. The museum hence
transforms from a space that only informs the visitor to a space that
rouses creativity and curiosity through active exploration.
Each museum type has its own challenges but hosting a documents museum
definitely requires a special focus in terms of curation and display,
management, collections care, marketing and acquisitions and, engaging
the audience at large.
MUSEUMS FOR ALL:
A Journey Towards
Inclusive Museums in India
SIDDHANT SHAH
ACCESS EXPERT
Access For ALL

SIDDHANT SHAH
MUSEUMS FOR ALL: A JOURNEY
TOWARDS INCLUSIVE MUSEUMS IN INDIA
THE CURRENT STATE OF DISABILITY ACCESS AND

INCLUSION IN MUSEUMS IN INDIA:
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of
accessibility and inclusion in museums across India. While progress has
been made, significant challenges remain in ensuring that museums are
truly welcoming spaces for people of all abilities. Many museums in India
still lack basic accommodations such as wheelchair ramps, neuro-access,
sensory access with tactile exhibits, and sign language interpretation,
making it difficult for people with disabilities to fully engage with their
collections and exhibitions.However, amidst these challenges, there are
notable initiatives and organisations working tirelessly to improve
accessibility in museums. One such organisation is Access For ALL, which
is dedicated to advocating for accessibility and providing resources and
guidance to museums across the country.
OUR JOURNEY TO MAKE MUSEUMS ACCESS FOR ALL

Access For ALL has been at the forefront of promoting accessibility in
Indian museums, collaborating with institutions to implement innovative
solutions. One prominent example is the Anubhav Gallery, India's first
tactile gallery located in the National Museum in New Delhi. This gallery
features tactile replicas of artifacts, allowing visitors with visual
impairments to experience the museum's collection through touch. In
addition to the Anubhav Gallery, Access ForALL has worked with
museums like the City Palace Museum in Jaipur to develop Braille museum
guidebooks, ensuring that visitors with visual impairments can access
information about the exhibits. They have also conducted access audits
and provided recommendations for improvements at institutions like the
Museum of Prime Ministers of India - Pradhan Mantri Sanghralay, to
make them more inclusive.
Furthermore, Access For ALL has spearheaded initiatives to create tactile

and blind-friendly exhibitions, such as the one commemorating the 150th
birthday of Mahatma Gandhi at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for
the Arts (IGNCA). They have also launched ABHAS, India's first
tactile art program for the visually impaired in collaboration with DAG,
enabling individuals with visual impairments to engage with art in a
meaningful way.
SIDDHANT SHAH
MUSEUMS FOR ALL: A JOURNEY
TOWARDS INCLUSIVE MUSEUMS IN INDIA
Beyond their work in India, Access For ALL has also partnered with
international museums like The British Museum, the State Bank Museum
in Karachi, Pakistan, and the Archaeology Museum in Beirut, Lebanon,
to promote accessibility and inclusion on a global scale.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MAKING MUSEUMS ACCESSIBLE

AND INCLUSIVE FOR ALL:
The efforts of organizations like Access For ALL underscore the

importance of making museums accessible and inclusive for all visitors.
Museums play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and fostering
learning and creativity, and it is essential that they be accessible to
everyone, regardless of their abilities.
By implementing accommodations such as tactile exhibits, Braille
guidebooks, and inclusive programming, museums can create welcoming
environments where people of all abilities can participate fully in cultural
experiences. Moreover, promoting accessibility not only benefits
individuals with disabilities but enriches the museum experience for all
visitors by fostering empathy, understanding, and diversity.
In conclusion, enhancing accessibility in museums is not just a matter of

compliance; it is a fundamental aspect of ensuring equal access to cultural
heritage and promoting social inclusion. As we continue to work towards a
more inclusive society, it is imperative that museums lead by example and
strive to make their collections and exhibitions accessible to everyone.
Only then can we truly achieve the vision of museums as spaces for all.
Tracing the evolving
framework of
Mehrangarh Fort Museum
DR. SUNAYANA RATHORE

CURATOR
Mehrangarh Museum,
Jodhpur, Rajasthan
TRACING THE EVOLVING FRAMEWORK DR. SUNAYANA
OF MEHRANGARH FORT MUSEUM RATHOR
Visiting a museum gives a feeling of revisiting the past and enables a

scientific understanding of culture. The basic idea of museums has
evolved throughout history and is still in an ever changing process. It’s a
constant responsibility to cater to the changing audience that has kept the
Mehrangarh fort museum into limelight for almost 50 years now.
The foundations of the Mehrangarh Fort, carved out of a rocky hillside

400 feet above Jodhpur, were laid in 1459 as a military stronghold. The
Fort, described by Rudyard Kipling after a visit in the late 1800s as “a
palace that might have been built by Titans and colored by the morning
sun,” has been the seat of the Rathore dynasty since then, serving as a
royal residence, a center of cultural patronage, and a place of worship for
the royal clan. Today, it houses the collection of the Mehrangarh Museum
Trust, one of the most important and best-preserved collections of fine and
applied arts from the Mughal period of Indian history.
It’s interesting to learn how a single dynasty acquired and commissioned

objects over the course of more than 400 years to leverage patronage,
diplomacy, matrimonial alliances, trade, and conquest. The Mehrangarh
museum holds a collection of more than 30,000 objects from Indian
courtly life, including paintings, decorative arts and furniture, tents,
canopies, carpets, textiles, and weapons. Lavishly made ceremonial objects,
finely crafted arms and armor, sumptuous jewels, intricately carved
furnishings and more illuminate the dynamic history of
Marwar-Jodhpur and the Rathore dynasty that ruled it for over seven
centuries.
A handful of carefully chosen objects from the notable collection are

displayed in galleries and period rooms of the fort and provide an
opportunity to the visitors to experience the unprecedented rich cultural
history of Marwar.
Formation of the Jodhpur collection goes back to 1909, when an

exhibition of articles made in Marwar was held in Jodhpur and it was
afterwards changed into an Industrial Museum. In 1914 to keep pace with
the development of museology in India, it was converted into a
full-fledged museum on a modest basis. The museum contained several
sections falling under categories like Fine Art, Archaeology,
Numismatics etc.
TRACING THE EVOLVING FRAMEWORK DR. SUNAYANA
OF MEHRANGARH FORT MUSEUM RATHOR
The museum contained several sections falling under categories like Fine
Art, Archaeology, Numismatics etc. Later when Mehrangarh Museum
Trust was founded in 1972, some of the collection was donated to the trust
and the rest remained with the government museums in Jodhpur. The
other portions of the collection were donated to the trsut by the Royal
family of Jodhpur. The principal objectives of the trust were to conserve
collection and architecture of the fort and to promote public interest in
Marwar’s royal heritage. It has been a long but successful journey since
the foundation and the future of the museum is a constant planning
process.
The Trust is now working on a Museum Redevelopment Programme that

promises to have substantial impact on further increasing the visitor
numbers and also enhancing the credibility of the institution.
Though the forts basic architecture is designed for inaccessibility, we
have worked on making it accessible by adding facilities like ramps and
elevator for the physically challenged and senior citizens visiting our
premises. The idea of accessibility for all has been our primary agenda
while rethinking the Museum.
There is also a museum shop inside the premises which is already an

example for museum merchandising and design for other museums in
India. The shop is very popular because of its uniquely designed products
inspired by the museum collection and architecture of the Fort. The fort
also offers platform to local artists by supporting their art, specially those
that might get extinct if not given attention now. The artists who have
been making certain things like jutis, tie & die textiles, block printing,
bone carving, lac ornaments, durrie weaving etc. are invited to showcase
their art and sell them to the tourists visiting the fort.
The Mehrangarh Museum is also building a new visitor centre and offers
an increased and better parking (area 187186 sq. ft.) facility for the
visitors. We hope that this Museum Redevelopment Programme becomes a
case study for interpretive planning and ‘An Indian Model’ for museum
development for the future generations.
Are we ready for
the future?
TEJSHVI JAIN
FOUNDER DIRECTOR
ReReeti Foundation
ARE WE READY FOR THE FUTURE? TEJSHVI JAIN
In an era where traditional classroom settings are undergoing a profound

transformation, museums are emerging as pioneering centres of experiential
learning. Once regarded as static repositories of artefacts, these cultural
institutions are evolving into dynamic educational hubs. Looking ahead,
the role of museums in shaping education is poised to undergo further
evolution, driven by technological advancements, innovative pedagogical
approaches, and a growing emphasis on inclusivity.
Technology has become an indispensable tool in enriching the educational

experience within museums, a trend that is gaining momentum in India as
well. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are
dismantling the constraints of physical space, enabling learners to immerse
themselves in exhibits in captivating and interactive ways. In a nation
teeming with cultural heritage, such technologies offer unparalleled
opportunities for learners to explore historical sites, artistic marvels, and
scientific phenomena. However, the integration of these technologies with
educational objectives remains relatively unexplored within the context of
Indian museums.
India leads globally in the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI)

projects, according to a recent survey by IBM. Personalising learning
experiences represents another area of immense potential. AI-powered
chatbots could serve as virtual guides, delivering tailored information to
visitors in multiple languages and catering to the country's diverse
linguistic landscape. Nevertheless, challenges such as limited resources
and gaps in digital infrastructure must be addressed to fully harness the
potential of AI in both the experiential and educational realms within
India's museum landscape.
The future of education in museums also entails a transition towards

active, participatory learning models—a trend that requires greater
traction in our museums. While many museums conduct hands-on
workshops, few do so with a well-defined and structured approach.
Museums of the future serve as ideal spaces for nurturing soft skills like
empathy, creativity, and problem-solving. However, the current array of
workshops offered by museums overlooks this potential impact,
highlighting the need for increased investment in educational
programming and infrastructure to fully realize the transformative power
of participatory learning in Indian museums.
ARE WE READY FOR THE FUTURE? TEJSHVI JAIN
Moreover, inclusivity lies at the core of the future museum education

landscape in India. Museums nationwide are taking strides to enhance
accessibility for visitors with disabilities, implementing initiatives
ranging from tactile exhibits to sign language tours. However, greater
efforts are required to ensure that museums truly become inclusive spaces
that embrace visitors from all walks of life, including marginalized
communities and individuals with invisible disabilities.
Collaboration emerges as another pivotal driver shaping the future of

education in museums in India. Museums must increasingly collaborate
with schools, universities, and community organizations to integrate their
resources and expertise into formal education curricula. Furthermore,
museums need to extend collaboration beyond educators, artists, and
museum professionals to include scientists, doctors, environmentalists, and
engineers in the design of innovative learning experiences.
As we envision the future of education in museums, it becomes evident

that these cultural institutions play a crucial role in shaping the learning
experiences of future generations in India. Are we working towards making
these centres thatinspire curiosity, ignite creativity, and create lifelong
learners?
In conversation with
Subodh Kerkar
ARTIST AND FOUNDING DIRECTOR
The Museum of Goa (MOG)

EDITED EXCERPTS FROM
ANJCHITA B. NAIR
AN INTERVIEW WITH
SUBODH KERKAR
You call the Museum of Goa (MoG) a pedagogical

experiment in narrating history. What did you have in
mind while you conceptualised it, and what was the
process of actually bringing it to life?
I'm originally a medical doctor and I became an artist in the last 35 years
and I'm an avid reader of history. Because of my interest in history, all
the works which I started creating, history became a footnote to them.
They are works of contemporary art, but they are created, in a way, in
response to history. And that led to a new idea of museums. I would claim,
the way I make museums is, a new way of making museums.
The idea of a museum is actually a colonial idea. A museum is, to put it

rather crudely, a storehouse of old objects with labelling. And this is what
is seen in all the museums, with maybe some exceptions. I do like to go to
these museums, but after some time one tends to get a little bored,
especially if information is not available, many a times, it starts to look
like more of the same.
When I visited Berlin, I visited the Asian Museum in Berlin where the
director had created an interesting experiment. This museum was similar
to a traditional museum with artefacts and labelling but along with some
contemporary art. For example, in the Chinese section, there was a work by
Ai Weiwei. There was an interactive work of a Japanese artist in the
Japanese section. This triggered a thought, why can't we make a Museum
of history using contemporary art? That's precisely what I decided to do.
My own work has been not a representation of history, but rather a work
in response to history. I created a 15-20 minute documentary for the
Museum of Goa, that tells you the basic histories of Goa and the rest of
what you see in the museum is an experience and are contemporary works of
art created in response to histories.
My next museum is the Museum of Beer. Most beer museums across the
world are connected to a brewery. They show you the process of making
beer, you sample it, coupled with some fun activities and there is
merchandise. My Beer Museum is actually a Museum of contemporary art
created in response to beer history and beer culture. I'm using beer as a
vehicle to popularise contemporary art.
ANJCHITA B. NAIR
AN INTERVIEW WITH
SUBODH KERKAR
The Museum of Goa aims to bridge cultural gaps and bring

art to a larger audience. How do you envision achieving
this goal and what strategies have you implemented so far?
Do you think you have been successful?
In a country of 1.3 billion people, not more than a few lakh people connect
with contemporary art. Even corporate heads, engineers, and doctors have
no idea about contemporary art because they have never been exposed to it.
For example, recently at an event, I asked a group of 1500 architects and
designers if they had heard the names of 10 Indian artists such as
Subodh Gupta, Sudarshan Shetty, Riyas Komu, Jitish Kallat, Bose
Krishnamachari, S. H Raza, F. N. Souza, V. S. Gaitonde, Vivan
Sundaram, hardly 30-40 people raised their hands.
I think majority of the Indian population have never had an opportunity

to connect with art. As an artist, I started to worry if I was going to create
art only for the eyes of a few. Of course you create art for yourself, but
still, an artist needs an audience. So that's why I felt the need to create a
museum. All my friends thought that I was a total fool and they said
that nobody would show up. But the museum happened, and today we get
from 100 to 500 people coming every day paying a ticket of 300 Rs.
The best example of appreciation I have received, there was a group of

farmers who came from Sindhudurg in Maharashtra. They told me one of
their neighbours, who is also a farmer, had come to Goa and he saw our
signages and he visited the museum. He went back and told them to go to
Goa, not to visit the beach because ‘Their beach is exactly like ours but go
to the Museum of Goa.” That was so lovely!
The other appreciation I get is from children. So there is a kind of sort of

connection I think we are able to develop. But one museum is not enough.
Next, I'm doing the Beer museum in Goa . In a remote site in
Maharashtra, I am also creating two museums, Museum of Gandhi and
Museum of Maharashtra, as well as a sculpture park. I hope to bring like
minded people together, and conduct this experiment to prove that art can
change the socioeconomic structure of a village. I believe that development
has to happen holding the finger of aesthetics.
ANJCHITA B. NAIR
AN INTERVIEW WITH
SUBODH KERKAR
Considering the diverse range of events and activities that

are hosted at MoG, how do you balance between preserving
the institutions vision and responding to evolving audience
interest?
In general, you can't imprison art in a compartment. You can't be an

artist unless you read newspapers. There's no compartment like, this is art
and this is not art. Art is an expression of time, so you should be aware
of everything that is happening during that time. Whether it is culinary
arts, music or cinema, politics, an artist is a sensor, receptor and
transmitter of ideas in a society and so everything is valid.
Histories of Goa is a permanent exhibition at MoG that

highlights lesser known histories of the States past. You
also say that the collection is dynamic. How do you sort of
balance between the two?
Initially when I started the MOG, it was intended to be just my own work
because I was working on history. Then I started giving lectures on history
to other artists and encouraging them to create works for us. We have at
least 30-40 artists who have created works for MOG now and our policy
is to have as many artists as possible. We are a dynamic museum, we are a
hybrid of a museum and a gallery, but some work is permanent so we are
more a museum than a gallery. We ask artists to come up with ideas,
sometimes we fund the work, sometimes we buy the work and we keep the
work for sale at the museum. But at the same time, we are not art dealers,
we are art promoters.
ANJCHITA B. NAIR
AN INTERVIEW WITH
SUBODH KERKAR
You said you get as many artists as you can, So what is

your criteria for selecting these artworks or artists? Does it
have to be connected to the history of Goa?
The curatorial policy which I follow is named Tukaram policy, or the

Kabir policy. The saint movement was a very important movement all
over India, and saints like Tukaram, Namdev, Jnaneshwar took the
wisdom of Vedas to common people in local languages and in simple poems
which could communicate with everybody. I want to be the Tukaram of
contemporary art. Tukaram's poems are, perhaps some of the best poems in
the world, but they are simple and easy to understand. So communicating
with our audience is a priority to us. And then of course the selected works
of art should not be forgettable. It is a very simple curatorial policy.
How do you see your role as an artist intersecting with your

role as a curator and a museum director to do these sort of
sometimes become conflicting?
No, I don't think so. Because this becomes conflicting when you are in
competition with other artists. I'm beyond competition. Basically I believe
that competition should be amongst horses, not amongst human beings. So
that's why there's no conflict
ANJCHITA B. NAIR
AN INTERVIEW WITH
SUBODH KERKAR
Going ahead, what are your aspirations for the Museum of

Goa? How do you envision its growth and impact in the
larger museum sector or cultural landscape of India?
The MOG is not a very huge museum. My dream will be to set up

something like the MOG in every state, self sustainable museums should
be everywhere. I definitely am encouraging a second line of leadership
where there are more people to follow this idea. So far I have not received
1 Rupee from any CSR funding but I feel if people see that this is a sincere
effort, I see no reason why they would not support it.
For the new project, I had a meeting with all the Panchayat members of
the village and they were all in support and there are about 5000 villages
in that village and I'm going to have a public meeting to the village about
this project. So I will have at least over 3000 people attending it. The
community will be part of this experiment of seeing how art can aid
development.
One final question, what would you want the future of the
museum sector to look like?
Future of the museum sector like any other sector has to respond to the new
needs, which is very difficult, because I feel no public art of substance has
happened in this country after Hampi. We have a lot of good artists, but
the people who are in charge of choosing art have no business choosing art.
I believe we have to educate, liberal arts should be taught, especially
decision makers who are at the centre of activities should also have some
kind of training in art history.
MUSEUM
MOSAIC
STAR-TEFACTS
India's rich cultural legacy is woven with threads of
history, art, and heritage, each artefact telling a
unique story of the subcontinent's diverse past. In
this section, we journey through 100 museums across
India, showcasing the most cherished pieces that
define their collections. As we delve into these
museums' prized possessions, we celebrate the stories
they preserve and the connections they foster between
the past and present. From ancient relics to modern
masterpieces, each artefact is a testament to the
ingenuity and creativity of the artisans and cultures
that have shaped a timeless civilization.
STAR-TEFACTS
Buddhist diety, Hariti Dancing girl

(2nd century AD)
THE GOVERNMENT MUSEUM NATIONAL MUSEUM,
AND ART GALLERY, NEW DELHI
CHANDIGARH
This sculpture dates back to the 2nd century This figure is a remarkable achievement of
AD and is an image of a Buddhist deity the artists of this ancient culture. From this
known as Hariti found in Skarah Dheri. It masterpiece we know that the Harappans
is a one-of-a-kind example of a sculptural were skilled in metallurgy and knew how to
treasure because it is inscribed and dated. cast alloys of metals using the lost wax
Hariti, who was essentially a demon before process. This image of a young woman; large
the Buddha himself led her to the righteous eyes, flat nose and bunched curly hair are all
path, later evolved into one of Buddhism's featured in an artistic way.
and India's most revered Mother Goddesses,
whose hero-worship spread from Gandhara The tilted head and flexed knees and bent
to India, as well as to China and Japan in right arm dramatically resting on her hip
the Far East, and all the way through the and the other hand holding a bowl suggests a
ages from the first century BCE to the dancing pose. The heavy armlets and the
present. The standing sculpture of Hariti is forearm ringed with bangles match her
one of the 627 Gandharan sculptures heavy neck ornament.
donated by the Lahore Museum at the time
of the Partition.
STAR-TEFACTS
Muraqqa-i-Chughtai Teyyam breast-plate of

PARTITION MUSEUM,
Bhagavati
AMRITSAR
MUSEUM OF ART &
PHOTOGRAPHY, BANGALURU
When Basant Kishan Khanna and his wife

Leelavati fled their Lahore home with their Breast-plate personifying the deity
children on 14 August 1947, they assumed Bhagavathi belonging to the Teyyam
they would return soon. They carried little. tradition, a sprit cult practiced in the parts
This Muraqqa-i-Chughtai, Leelavati’s most of northern Kerala. It is worn by the
cherished book, is one of the few memories of impersonator during the invocation ritual of
the life left behind. Published in 1928 in alongside weapons and other attires which
Lahore, it is a book of paintings by Abdul personify the deity.
Rahman Chughtai.
STAR-TEFACTS
Svayambhu Stupa, Newari Dowry Box

Buddhist Manuscript VECHAAR UTENSIL MUSEUM,
AHMEDABAD
LALBHAI DALPATBHAI
MUSEUM, AHMEDABAD
The three legged dowry box is a speciality of

the Kathi community of Saurashtra and is
The folio describes the pleasant view of the given at the time of marriage for storing
hill, thickly covered with colourful trees clothes and jewellery. The decoration of the
inhabited by exotic birds. Milky white lotus and sun symbol, symbolizes their belief
dome of the stupa, surmounted by the of being Surya Vanshi.
harmika, the gilded cube, with all seeing
eyes of the Buddha, sparkles against the
bright orange background and immediately
attracts the attention of the viewers.
STAR-TEFACTS
Rudrashiva
(replica)
MAHANT GHASIDAS
MEMORIAL MUSEUM, RAIPUR
This sculpture is a replica of Rudrashiva,

which is present at Tala village. It is a 6-
4,000-year-old mummy,
foot-high figure in red sandstone. This is a Gourvah
one-of-a-kind piece that resembles a Yaksha
figure except for the Raudra or Ugra
(aggressive) expression. Tala, in the INDIAN MUSEUM,
Bilaspur district of Chattisgarh, was KOLKATA
discovered by J.D. Welger in 1873–74 and
is famous for its Devrani-Jethani Temples
and Indian sculpture and art. Historians The Indian Museum's Egypt Gallery is home
have claimed that the Tala village dates to a 4,000-year-old mummy. This mummy is
back to the 7-8th century AD. The famous said to have arrived in India in 1882 and,
excavation at the Devarani Temple during as per records of the Asiatic Society of
the years 1987–88 revealed an extremely Bengal, was given as a gift to the Society by
unique sculpture of Lord Shiva, or a British officer and Lieutenant of the Light
Rudrashiva. Body parts made of animal Cavalry in Bengal called E. C. Archbold.
and human faces make this a unique figure, When the Asiatic Society set up the Indian
and these animals are associated with Museum, the mummy was placed here on
various astrological signs like twins with display. Measuring 162.5 cm in length, it is
Gemini, kumbhas with Aquarius, lions with believed to have been a man who came from
Leos, balance with Libra, crocodiles for the tombs of the kings at Gourvah (possibly
Capricorn, virgins for Virgo, Scorpios, referring to the Gourna region on the western
Cancer, etc. bank of the Nile) in Egypt.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
11. 12.
7. 8. 9. 10.
13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18.
19. 20. 21. 22. 23.
24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29.
31. 32. 33. 34.

30.
35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40.

41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46.
47. 48. 49. 50.
55. 56.
53.
51. 52.
54.
57. 59,
58. 60. 61.
62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 68.
67.
69.
70. 71. 72. 73.
74. 75. 76.
77. 78. 79.
80.
81. 82. 83.
84. 85. 86.
87. 88.
89. 90. 91.
92.
94.
93.
95.
96.
97. 100.
98.
99.
STAR-TEFACTS
1. Hero stone, Archaeological Museum, Goa

2. Ayyanar with Purna and Pushkala, Thanjavur Art Gallery Museum
3. The Granite Cross (Open display), Udayamperoor Synod Church - Synodal Museum
4. Lion Capital of Ashokan pillar, Archaeological Museum, Sarnath
5. Dowry Box, Vechaar Utensil Museum, Ahmedabad
6. Rudrashiva (replica), Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum, Raipur
7. Kori (local currency), Kutch Museum, Bhuj
8. Mother Goddess, Archaeological Museum, Nagarjunakonda
9. Hookah, Gyan Museum, Jaipur
10. Echinoidea, Fossil Museum, Varnavasi
11. Ghee Container, Kerala Museum of Folklore, Kochi
12. Miniature Holy Quran, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad
13. Teyyam breast-plate of Bhagavati, Museum of Art & Photography, Bengaluru
14. Coin Boards - Pana Palakas, Napier Museum, Thiruvananthapuram
15. Dancing girl, National Museum, New Delhi
16. Statue of the emperor Kanishka with inscriptions in Brahmi Script, Archaeological Museum, Mathura
17. Kannappa Nayanar - Wood Carving, Government Museum, Coimbatore
18. Choumukha linga with yoginis, Balurghat College Museum, Balurghat
19. Svayambhu Stupa, Newari Buddhist Manuscript, LD Museum, Ahmedabad
20. Armlet, Odisha State Tribal Museum, Bhubaneshwar
21. Protection ring for Santhali men and women, The Museum of Santal Culture, Bishnubati
22. Sarangi, Arna Jharna: The Thar Desert Museum, Jodhpur
23. Nagajari Khanikargaon Inscription, Assam State Museum, Guwahati
24. Sarvatobhadrika shrine, Parsvanatha, RKMV Museum, Purulia
25. Nataraja Stone Sculpture - 18th Century A.D., Government Museum, Palani
26. Male Stomach, C.2nd Century AD, Allahabad Museum, Prayagraj
27. Tandavesvara, Government Site Museum, Aihole
28. Theli (Bag), SEWA Hansiba Museum, Ahmedabad
29. Buddhist diety, Hariti (2nd century AD), The Government Museum and Art Gallery, Chandigarh
30. Mummy, Baroda Museum, Vadodara
31. Wood fossil, Government Museum, Pudukkottai
32. Didarganj Yakshi, Bihar Museum, Patna
33. Hand Painted Fan, Bhuri Singh Museum, Chamba
34. A Mendicant’s Portable Shrine, Sanskriti Museum of Everyday Art, Gurugram
35. Kettle and a creamer from a tea set, Amrapali Museum, Jaipur
36. Drum slab, Site Museum, Amaravati
37. Stone inscription, Language-Arabic, Script-Naskh, Bangiya Sahitya Parishad, Kolkata
38. Emperor Akbar Armour, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai
39. Navanithakrishnan, Government Museum, Cuddalore
40. Adinatha seated, Central Museum, Indore
41. Temple Chariot, The National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, National Handicrafts and
Handlooms Museum (NHHM) , New Delhi
42. Amman - Made of Wood, 18th Century. Government Museum, Ramanathapuram
43. Anchor, Government museum, Thiruchirapalli
44. Diamond-studded gold tiffin box of Nizam of Hyderabad, Nizams Museum, Silver Jubliee Museum or the Purani
Haveli Museum, Hyderabad
45. Thunthina, Government Museum, Virudhunagar
46. Diamond throne, Archaeological Museum, Bodh Gaya
47. Bhikshadanar, Government Museum, Kanchipuram
48. Royal chariot used by the Maharaja and Amma Maharani, Sree Chitra Enclave, Thiruvananthapuram
49. Bhuvaraha Open Display, District Museum, Vidisha
50. Vintage Station Bench, Chennai Rail Museum, Chennai
51. 4,000-year-old mummy, Gornvah, Indian Museum, Kolkata
52. Ivory Throne, Kuthira Malika Palace Museum, Thiruvananthapuram
53. Musical stone, Government Museum, Sivagangai
54. Ivory Boomrang, Government Museum, Vellore
55. Eka mukha Shivling 6th Cen. C.E, Bharana, Satna,Triveni Museum, Ujjain
56. Mahadol (great palanquin), Mehrangarh Fort and Museum, Jodhpur
57. YP 2511 preserved, Mysore Rail Museum, Mysuru
58. Zodiac Table, Government Museum, Erode
59. Street Play Art Objects, Government Museum, Krishnagiri
60. Maharaveenai, Government Museum, Tiruvarur
61. Heptanesia, Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Ahmedabad
62. Portable Altar, Late 19th century, Museum Of Christian Art, Goa
63. Antique Bird Toy Cart, The Heritage Transport Museum, Haryana
64. Hero Stone Depicting ‘Jallikkattu’, Peththanayakampalayam, Government Museum, Salem
65. Jashta Devi, Government Museum, Madurai
66. Kurumba Musical instrument Buguri, Government Museum, Udagamandalam
67. Sarcophagus, Government Museum, Tiruvannamalai
68. Tambura, Government Museum, Karur
69. Wood Carving, Door, Tribal Dance, 19th Century, Koraput, Purvasha Folk And Tribal Art Museum,
Odi Art Centre, Barkul
70. Silver swamy tea service, C. Krishniah Chetty Crystal Museum Salon, Bengaluru
71. K-20 Fairchild aerial photography camera, Museo Camera- Centre For The Photographic Arts, Gurugram
72. The Maharaja of Mysore Saloon - Interior Bed Room, 1899, National Rail Museum, New Delhi
73. Nethaji’s Philco Radio, Theni District Government Museum
74. Prince and Princess of Iran, Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata
75. Maharana Sangram Singh II in a Boat Procession and Hunt, Udaipur City Palace Museum, Udaipur
76. Untitled by SH Rasa, National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai
77. Despair by Satish Gujral, National Gallery of Modern Art, Bengaluru
78. Ragamala series. Ragini Bhopali, Bikaner Museum, Jaipur
79. Dawn of Independence, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi
80. Gilgit Manuscript (5th century), Shri Pratap Singh Museum, Jammu and Kashmir
81. Southern India Map, Kalakriti Archive, Hyderabad
82. Avant-garde style carved blocks, Anokhi Museum of Handprinting, Jaipur
83. Muraqqa-i-Chughtai, Partition Museum, Amritsar
84. Wooden Toy (Bullock Cart) by M. F. Husain, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, New Delhi
85. ‘Crucifixion’ by Jamini Roy, National Gallery of Modern Art , New Delhi
86. History of kites, Kite Museum, Ahmedabad
87. Alapuzha Canal, Kerala Museum, Kochi
88. Persian Garden Carpet (Char Bagh), 17th century, Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur
89. Series Of 141 Watercolours of An Unknown Indian Artist Depicting Life In The Early 16th Century, Houses
of Goa, Goa
90. Kullu rajah memorial stones, Nicholas Roerich art gallery, Kullu
91. Old Passports, Museum of Memories, Kargil
92. Long-barreled (matchlock) guns (left) and Flintlock guns (right), HH Maharaja Sir Jiwajirao Scindia
Museum, Gwalior
93. Textiles for the Mughal and Regional Courts, Calico Museum, Ahmedabad
94. Shehnai of Bismillah Khan, 'tambura' of MS Subbulakshmi and the concert attire of Pt. Bhimsen Joshi,Indian
Music Experience Museum (IME), Bangaluru
95. Statue of Saint Mira Bai, Big Foot Goa - Ancestral Goa, Goa
96. Misprinted or wrongly punched coins, The Singaria Coin Museum, Jodhpur
97. Arikamedu Beads, Chennai Museum, Chennai
98. Weapons, Government Museum, Kanyakumari
99. Chupa of the bodyguard regiment of the tibet army, The Tibet Museum, Dharamshala
100. Mahatma Gandhi's bloodstained dhoti, The Gandhi Smriti Museum, New Delhi
MUSEUM
MOSAIC
INSTAGRAM HANDLES
WE LOVE
Ancient Indian Art
@ancientindianart
Exploring the rich digital repository of India's artistic heritage each post
unveils a new facet of India's ancient history and culture.
The Heritage Lab
@theheritagelab
A digital treasure trove of cultural narratives, each post invites

exploration and sharing, fostering a deeper connection to India’s unheard
stories and histories.
Sarmaya Arts Foundation
@sarmaya_india
Redefining the museum experience, the digital experience of Sarmaya, where they
blur geographical and physical boundaries of a museum, and showcase the living
heritage of the Indian subcontinent, making the heritage and art accessible to all.
Mayank Kaul
@mayankmansinghkaul
A textile curator's chronicles of textile traditions and innovations, his

every post is carefully curated ensembles of our rich textile past.
Deepthi Sasidharan
@lampglow
With a meticulously curated collection of posts on Indian art and jewellery,

she explores yesteryear days of colonial and historical India along with modern
interpretations and linkages.
Usha Balakrishnan
@balakrishnan.usha
A jewellery historian and curator she takes us through to explore Indian

jewellery, narrates a story of opulence and legacy, inviting viewers to view
various artistic traditions through time.
Marg Magazine
@margmagazine
An iconic pillar of South Asian arts, every post reflects the past but also
shapes the future of the region's creative expression, offering a timeless
narrative of innovation and tradition.
MAP Academy
@map_academy
Offering more than just a scholarly journey through South Asia's artistry, where
every post is a step towards a deeper understanding of our cultural history.
ARTEART
@arteart_official
A digital platform that carefully curates to open doors to India's vibrant art
scene, it invites immersive engagement, bringing in new lens to appreciate the
diversity of Indian creativity.
William Dalrymple
@williamdalrymple
From historical anecdotes to narratives, historian’s view of day to day history and
unknown past, made transparent to laymen.
MUSEUM
MOSAIC
DIRECTORY OF
MUSEUMS IN INDIA
MUSEUMS IN
INDIA
DIRECTORY OF MUSEUMS
IN INDIA
IN INDIA
IN INDIA
IN INDIA
MUSEUM
MOSAIC
CENTRE FOR
MUSEUMS
The Centre is a shared vision of CULTRE and INDICA to revitalise the societal
and economic importance of museums in the cultural landscape of India. This Centre
aims to facilitate creation of 21st century museums that are flexible, connected and
responsive, by working with existing museums as well as developing new museum
concepts.
The Centre focuses on museum-based research, defining new concepts & road maps,
museum management strategy, defining visitor experience for the museum, marketing
and outreach planning and possible sustainability planning.
CULTRE
Cultre is a creative and cultural enterprise that seeks to promote the access,
understanding and experience of India’s pluralistic cultural heritage to young minds
and life-long learners through content, products and experiences. With its product
brand, CultreBOX, tangible products are created that bridge the understanding of
India’s rich culture and heritage to the modern era. With the combined efforts of
cultural institutions, historians, master craftsmen, product designers, and Cultre,
comes the CultreBOX - all things culture, in a box.
INDICA
Indic Academy is an Institute for Indian knowledge systems that envisions the well-
being of all beings. A non-traditional university that aims to protect, preserve and
promote traditional institutions, knowledge and practice in its goal to seek a global
renaissance of Indic civilizational thought. The organisation offers unique,
authentic & immersive learning experiences that enable leaders to fulfil their
potential,passion and purpose.
MUSEUM
MOSAIC
EDITORIAL TEAM
Founder Editor
ANJCHITA B. NAIR
Lead- Design
NAMRATA DHALL
Lead- Content
KRISHNAPRIYA PANICKER
CONTACT
Website: www.centreformuseums.in
Email: info@cultre.in
Phone number: +91-8376826390
Instagram: @centreformuseums
MUSEUM
MOSAIC
20
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MUSEUM20

Hello there, fellow museum enthusiasts!

Collaboration has been the name of the game. Museums, academic

In this issue, we’ve got a treasure trove of articles from distinguished

As we look to the future, sustainability and community engagement are at

MUSEUM INFLUENCERS 2024

PERSPECTIVES FROM THE MUSUEM WORLD

1. ANICA MANN: Can government museums be a viable career option?

INSTAGRAM HANDLES WE LOVE

In an era marked by rapid digitalisation and evolving audience expectations, our

ANUPAM SAH JAHNAVI PHALKEY ANJANI KUMAR

An acclaimed filmmaker, archivist, and restorer dedicated to the preservation

HIS EFFORTS EXTEND TO EDUCATION, LEADING

A dedicated professional revolutionising education for children, prioritising both

HER VISIONARY LEADERSHIP LED TO THE CREATION

HER CONTRIBUTIONS EXTENDS BEYOND

As the Founding Director of Anupam Heritage Lab (India) Private Limited

A PROLIFIC LECTURER AND AUTHOR, HE HAS

A multifaceted figure, blending her expertise as a filmmaker and historian of

HER COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING RESEARCH IS

Anjani Kumar Singh a retired distinguished civil servant is currently serving as

ANJANI KUMAR SINGH'S LEADERSHIP IN HIS

Source: RAJA DINKAR KELKAR MUSEUM GOES THE

The iconic Raja Dinkar Kelkar museum located at

Source: AIR INDIA TO HAND OVER ITS PRICELESS ART

Air India to hand over its priceless collections of around

Source: C-DAC PUNE STARTS BACKGROUND WORK ON

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-

Source: TAMIL NADU GOVT ISSUES ORDER ON

The state government issued an order to set up a

Source: JORASANKO THAKURBARI TO GET GALLERY

Rabindranath Tagore visited Italy quite many times, for this

Protection and restitution of cultural heritage will be the

Various cultural organisations, including national-level

Source: NATIONAL CAPITAL TO NOW HOST

The exhibition showcasing 26 repatriated Indian antiquities,

Source: JAMINI ROY’S HOME TO BE TURNED INTO

DAG announced its intention to turn Jamini Roy's house in

Source: ARCHITECT GEOFFREY BAWA’S FIRST SHOW

Architect Geoffrey Bawa’s archives will be presented in India

The Salar Jung Museum has started a special online

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the much-awaited

Source: GOVT PLANS TO SET UP FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND

The government in the process of establishing a

Source: NEW YORK MUSEUM TO RETURN 15

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has announced

Source: VANDE BHARAT EXPRESS ARRIVES AT JOSHI’S

A miniature train cruising on a model railway track with

One of the oldest educational institutions in Bengaluru, St Joseph’s

Source: U.P’S FIRST FISH REPOSITORY COMES UP IN

A National Fish Museum and Repository with a collection of

Several thematic exhibitions, online and offline seminars,

Source: PROCESS TO REPATRIATE HUMAN

The Pitt Rivers Museum (PRM) in Oxford, which houses 213

Source: PM TO INAUGURATE INTERNATIONAL

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the International

Source: SENGOL' MOVED TO DELHI FOR

The 'Sengol', symbol of the transfer of power from the British

Source: TAMIL NADU TO CONSTRUCT GRAND

A grand and modern ‘Porunai Museum’ to display artefacts