International Museum Day, which takes place annually on the 18th of May, is an international celebration designed to raise public awareness about the crucial role that museums play in society. This global observance was first initiated in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) in order to spotlight the importance of cultural exchange and enrichment.
The Future of Museums: Recover and Reimagine
The theme for 2021’s International Museum Day is “The Future of Museums: Recover and Reimagine.” This particular theme underscores the distinctive role that museums will play in shaping our post-pandemic world; it invites the public to ponder upon the ways how museums can fully utilise their potential to foster recovery and reimagination in these trying times.
About the International Council of Museums (ICOM)
ICOM is a non-governmental organization with a membership system that establishes professional and ethical standards for museum activities on a global scale. Created in 1946, and currently headquartered in Paris, France, ICOM serves as a network for over 40,000 museum professionals spanning across more than 138 countries. They are most notably known for their creation of the ICOM Red Lists, which are tools designed to help prevent the illicit trafficking of precious cultural objects.
Understanding the Administration of Museums in India
In India, multiple ministries oversee different museums. It’s important to note that not all museums fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture. Some are independently operated without governmental support by a group of individuals under a Board of Trustees.
Preserving Cultural Heritage: Article 49
According to Article 49 of the Indian Constitution, it’s the responsibility of every state to protect monuments, locations, and objects of artistic or historical significance. These sites or objects are often declared as being of national importance, further reaffirming their cultural worth.
Government Initiatives to Support Museums
The Indian Ministry of Culture administers a Museum Grant Scheme which offers financial support to State Governments and various bodies and trusts registered under the Societies Act. This program aims at both establishing new museums, as well as upgrading existing ones, at the regional, state, and district levels.
In an effort to digitally preserve the collections of these museums, the National Portal and Digital Repository for Indian Museums has been launched.
Some Notable Museums in India
India boasts a number of notable museums such as the National Museum in New Delhi (a Subordinate Office under the Ministry of Culture), the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi, the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad, the Indian Museum in Kolkata, the Archaeological Survey of India site Museum in Goa, and the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) also in New Delhi.
