Establishment and modernization of museums, cultural spaces, and exhibitions by Ministry of Culture, India

The Ministry of Culture, Government of India has been actively working on the establishment and modernization of museums, cultural spaces, and exhibitions to preserve and showcase India’s rich heritage. Here’s a structured overview based on the latest updates:

Archaeological Site Museums
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) currently manages 52 Archaeological Site Museums across the country.
- These museums serve as centers for site interpretation and secure display of antiquities.
- They also act as hubs of cultural tourism, supporting local creative economies such as crafts and cuisines.

Modernization Initiatives
- Annual maintenance and upgrades are carried out by ASI, funded through Union Government budget allocations.
- The Museums Grant Scheme provides financial assistance for:
- Setting up new museums
- Developing existing ones
- Digitization of collections
- Training of museum professionals

Public Engagement
- ASI has enhanced outreach through:
- Large-scale exhibitions
- Observance of World Heritage Day, World Heritage Week, and International Museum Day
- National events that improve visibility and generate wider public interest

Newly Established Museums & Galleries
Some notable additions in recent years include:
- Piprahwa Museum (Uttar Pradesh, 2016)
- Shivpuri Museum (Madhya Pradesh, 2017)
- Lalitagiri Museum (Odisha, 2019)

Red Fort Museums in Delhi (2019):
- 1857 – India’s First War of Independence
- Yaad-e-Jallian
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and INA
- Azaadi-ke-Diwane

- Virtual Experiential Museum, Varanasi (2019)
- Museum on Mahatma Gandhi, Aga Khan Palace, Pune (2019)
- Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site Museum (Delhi, 2024)

Purpose & Impact
- Strengthening cultural tourism and heritage awareness.
- Promoting regional crafts and cuisines linked to museum sites.
- Supporting local economies while preserving national identity.
- Offering educational experiences for students, researchers, and the public.