New Delhi, May 18, 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate International Museum Expo 2023 in New Delhi on 18th May. This was announced by Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and DoNER G.K Reddy at a press conference in New Delhi today. The Minister also informed that Expo is a first of its kind, comprehensive three-day International Museum Expo .
Speaking on the occasion, G. Kishan Reddy said, “The upcoming three-day International Museum Expo 2023 at Pragati Maidan, is a historic event as it is the first time the government will showcase new technology and initiatives for museums. With the cooperation of various departments, including museum development, experts, and senior officers, India’s rich cultural heritage will be on display. 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 Narendra Modi. The International Museum Expo 2023 is the largest of its kind, inviting not only Indian professionals but also experts from around the world to participate in workshops and master classes.”
Speaking on the occasion Smt Meenakashi Lekhi said that since 2014 , new museums are being also opened in the tier 2 cities to connect the masses especially the youth to their Culture and heritage. She also added that 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.
A brochure was also released on the occasion. The dignitaries also flagged off a mobile van “Museum on Wheels” for awareness generation.
The expo aims to facilitate a holistic conversation and showcase the diverse cultural heritage exhibited by various museums across the country. This three-day event will take place from 18th to 20th May at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
During the three-day International Museum Expo, there will be a focus on various themed museums, which will be explored through workshops, seminars, master classes, panel discussions, and other events. International museum professionals, diplomats, curators, consultants, academicians, and students from various fields across the world are invited to participate in these activities, providing a unique opportunity for cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration.
Addressing the Press Conference, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Mugdha Sinha said, “It is a tremendous opportunity to be able to organize an International Museum Expo to initiate an all-around conversation with museum stakeholders and professionals as a way to incorporate recommendations for policy-making around museums and for curating museums formed on people programming and museum professionals in a synergistic and comprehensive way.
One of the key features of the expo are the 7 masterclasses and 11 panel discussions that will take place across the three days. The Masterclasses are talks on specific subject matter relating to the functioning of museums spaces led by global experts in a lec-dem format. The panel discussions feature Indian and international museum experts and consultants featuring topics such as unconventional museums, curating for everyone, and financial and environmental sustainability in museums. There is also a Ministerial Panel titled Vision 2047 where 12 State Culture Ministers will discuss their vision for the development of Museums in their state. Additionally, the Secretarial Panel will see the participation of 9 GoI Secretaries or Secretary-equivalents from other Ministries/Departments that also fund, curate & develop Museums.
A distinctive component of the Expo, the Techno Mela has been designed to facilitate B2B networking between those who wish to make museums and technical vendors that provide specialised services for the same. This aspect comprises lighting and technical equipment vendors, along with the showcase of some museums from the national level down to the community level. Of the 55+ vendors/institutions, some of the key participants in this segment include the Indian Navy, National Rail Museum, i2i Consulting, Atthah Infotech, Varaha, Lion India, Godrej, Decon Lighting among others.
Lastly, 100+ students have signed up for a 3-day intensive on Conservation where will learn about preventive conservation of paper, textiles, paper and taxidermy. They will also be exposed to careers prospects and employers in the space.
