Knowledge of history, heritage and past can’t remain confined to classrooms and seminars and needs to be made available across the length and breadth of a country. In this, museums as the repository of artefacts, documents, manuscripts, sculpture, art, etc play a vital role and to emphasise this, a three-day International Museum Expo 2023 will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 18.

Announcing this in a Press conference, G.K. Reddy, Union Minister for Culture said that this will be the first of its kind comprehensive event. Describing it as “a historic event,” where “India’s rich cultural heritage will be on display”, he said “it is the first time the Government will showcase new technology and initiatives for museums” and also the diverse cultural heritage of different Indian museums.

The Minister added: “The Ministry of Culture has established 383 museums till date, out of which 145 have been commissioned and opened during the last 9 years under the leadership and vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.”

Talking in the same vein, Meenakshi Lekhi, Minister for Culture said that new museums are being opened in tier 2 cities to connect the masses especially the youth to their culture and heritage. “International Museum Expo will not only demonstrate India’s soft power but will also act as a means to bridge the gap between economy and knowledge,” she observed.

Apart from reaching out to smaller metros and cities, a mobile van — “Museum on Wheels” — was also flagged off on the occasion. An outreach initiative it will help children and people in remote areas to connect with history.

The three-day expo from May 18 to 20 at Pragati Maidan will be held to commemorate the 47th International Museum Day and will provide a platform for museum professionals and enthusiasts to exchange ideas and insights and promote cross-cultural learning and understanding.

The main thrust of the expo will be on varied themed museums and this will be explored through workshops, seminars, master classes, panel discussions, and other events. The participation of international museum professionals, diplomats, curators, consultants, academicians, and students from various fields across the world is bound to provide a unique opportunity for cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration.

The three-day Expo will include 7 masterclasses and 11 panel discussions. While the former will be in a lec-dem format on specific issues concerning functioning of museums to be conducted by experts, the latter will feature Indian and international museum experts who will deliberate on unconventional museums, curating for everyone, and financial and environmental sustainability in museums.

The Techno Mela in the Expo will provide a B2B networking opportunity to those wishing to make museums and technical vendors.

Students of history will be given an opportunity to know about preventive conservation of paper, textiles, paper and taxidermy which will enhance their knowledge and career prospects.