International Museum Expo from 18th May

As a part of the second phase of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ the Museum Division of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India is organising a three-day International Museum Expo 2023 to be held from 18th to 20th May 2023 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. The event is being organised to celebrate the International Museums Day and to institutionalized this in its annual calendar, said press release issued by the Ministry of Culture.

The International Council on Museums (ICOM) theme for this year is ‘Mmuseums Sustainability and Well Being’ and the Expo is being designed to initiate a holistic conversation on museums, so that they evolve as cultural centres that play a pivotal role in India’s cultural diplomacy, especially in a year where India hosts the G20 Presidency.

The release says, The Museum Expo 2023 will include four broad components – Museum Expo sessions; Exhibition and Film Shows; Technical Expo and Conservation Laboratory.

The first category, Museum Expo sessions will include master classes on Museum architecture, light installations in museums, NFT and art scientific storage in museums and digital marketing of museums by global experts; panel discussions showcasing 75 museums from across India and the world including village and community base museums; talks workshops; case studies on financial sustainability of museums; disaster management and SHRI like schemes for encouraging research and art of story-telling around museums and round-table of the Museum grant scheme moderated by the Ministry.

The second category, Exhibition and Film shows will showcase books and artefacts from Indian and select International museums in two parts- the Iconic Hero Objects from across the country and Books on Museums. The exhibitions have been designed in physical, digital and holographic form.

The Third Category, Technical Expo will be an experimental display of Museum related vendors and equipment including light, sound and conservation along with other futuristic technology. This part will also showcase Museum related toys, merchandise, online games and Start-ups to allow for networking opportunities.

The Fourth and last category, Conservation Laboratory – an in-situ lab with hands experience on training across all categories of artefacts and meet-the-expert sessions.

This Expo will also include special highlights including the launch of a graphic book on museums; a directory of Museums in India; a handbook on conservation practices; animation films; films on and virtual walkthrough of museums Heritage; works and projection; Light Mapping shows; special cultural programs and curated gastronomical experiences will encompass Pan Indian elements.

The Ministry has appointed Ms. Garima Raghav, Consultant, Ministry of Culture (Email garima.raghav@investindia.org.in Phone-9013005174) and Ms. Sneha Suresh, Consultant, Ministry of Culture (Email Sneha.suresh@investindia.org.in Phone 9941016377) as Nodal Officers and point of contact for the upcoming Expo.

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