Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate a three-day International Museum Expo in New Delhi on May 18. The event, organised as part of the second phase of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, will take place at Pragati Maidan. The International Museum Expo will also celebrate International Museum Day, which falls on its inauguration day. Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy announced the cultural extravaganza, highlighting various activities and special guests.
The inauguration ceremony and mascot unveiling
During the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Modi will unveil the expo’s mascot, an image of the prehistoric dancing girl found in Mohenjo-Daro. The mascot will be stylised in the form of Channapatna toys. Additionally, several items will be inaugurated, including a graphic novel on museums, a directory of Indian museums, a pocket map of Kartavya Path, and a deck of 75 cards showcasing various museums across India.
Virtual walkthrough of the upcoming National Museum
As part of the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi will also launch a virtual walkthrough offering a glimpse into the upcoming National Museum located at North Block and South Block. The museum, named Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum, will exhibit India’s rich civilisational culture spanning over 5,000 years.
Exhibitions and cultural activities
The International Museum Expo will host three exhibitions. The first exhibition will feature 75 “star objects,” artifacts drawn from renowned collections of over 25 museums and institutions across India. The second exhibition will showcase covers of books and publications, including those from the pre-Independence era. The third exhibition will present the Ragamala Series.
Launch of ‘Indian Museum Tycoon’ video game
On the day of the inauguration, a 12-level app-based video game called ‘Indian Museum Tycoon’ will be launched. The game will be available on both Android and iOS platforms, offering an interactive and educational experience.
Participation and collaboration
The International Museum Expo is expected to witness significant participation, with approximately 1,200 museums from across India joining various segments of the event. Participating countries include the UK, the US, France, and Russia. Culture and tourism ministers from different regions of India will also be present.
‘Museum on Wheels’ and cultural spaces
As part of the event, the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya in Mumbai, has created a ‘museum on wheels.’ This mobile museum will tour the National Capital Region, making museums more accessible to the public. Additionally, memorandums of understanding (MoUs) will be signed with nodal departments in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Varanasi, and Ahmedabad, marking the establishment of five cultural spaces.
Also Read: Five best museums to visit in Delhi
The International Museum Expo aims to celebrate India’s cultural heritage and commemorate International Museum Day. With a wide range of activities, exhibitions, and collaborations, the event will showcase the diversity and richness of India’s museums. Visitors can look forward to an immersive experience that promotes cultural appreciation and understanding.
