The Ministry of Culture recently hosted a webinar titled “Revitalising Museums and Cultural Spaces” to mark International Museum Day. The National e-Governance Division (NeGD), a wing of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), provided technical support for the event.
International Museum Day: Importance and Themes
On May 18 every year, International Museum Day is commemorated globally. It is an occasion to underscore the notion that “museums serve as a significant medium for cultural exchange, contributing to the enrichment of cultures and fostering mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace among people.”
In 2020, the celebration revolved around the theme of “Museums for Equality: Diversity and Inclusion”. The International Council of Museums (ICOM) instituted this day in 1977.
About the International Council of Museums (ICOM)
ICOM, formed in 1946, is a significant and unique organization committed to promoting and safeguarding both natural and cultural heritage, regardless of whether it is tangible or intangible. With its headquarters in Paris, France, ICOM serves as a network that brings together museum professionals from around the globe.
Currently, the network is rich with 35,000 members spread across 137 countries, all working in diverse museum- and heritage-related disciplines.
Administration of Museums in India
In India, the administration of museums is not centralized; various ministries oversee different museums. Not all museums come under the purview of the Ministry of Culture. Some operate independently, managed by a small team under a Board of Trustees, without any direct government support.
The Budget 2020 proposed the establishment of an Indian Institute of Heritage and Conservation. This institute, set to function as a deemed university, is to fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture.
Digitisation of Museums in India
The National Portal and Digital Repository for Indian Museums, an initiative under the Ministry of Culture, has been launched to digitize the collections of various museums.
Noteworthy Museums in India
There are several significant museums in India, and a few of them include:
1. The National Museum, New Delhi – A Subordinate Office under the Ministry of Culture.
2. The National Gallery of Modern Art, Bengaluru.
3. Victoria Memorial Hall (VMH), Kolkata.
4. Asiatic Society, Kolkata.
5. National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), New Delhi.
These museums play a crucial role in preserving and promoting the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage.