Museums must move beyond their traditional role as custodians of history and evolve into immersive cultural spaces that encourage learning, engagement and repeat visits, experts said during a panel discussion on ‘Museums as Anchors of Cultural Tourism’ at the 15th International Heritage Tourism Conclave organised by PHDCCI at the Salar Jung Museum.
Priyanka Francis, IAS, Director, Salar Jung Museum and Director, National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Bengaluru, said technology is helping museums become more interactive. “People do not want to remain passive visitors. They want to engage themselves, especially children and youngsters. Introducing app-based technology is the right way to move ahead,” she said. Francis highlighted the museum’s AI-powered assistants, multilingual QR-code interpretation and proposed Bluetooth-enabled navigation system to enhance visitor engagement.
Ajay B. Kochle, Director, Chhatrapati Shivaji National Gallery of Modern Art Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), Mumbai, said museums must prioritise visitor experience while preserving collections. “The greatest asset of a museum will always remain its collection. However, museums today are judged not only by what they preserve, but by the experiences they create around those collections and the impact they create on society,” he said. He added that museums should strengthen visitor facilities through cafés, museum shops, guided tours and partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability.
Prof. Aloka Parasher-Sen, Professor, University of Hyderabad, called for museums to become inclusive spaces rooted in local culture. “Museums have to be anchored in a way of life. Site museums should include craftsmen, festivals and local communities so that culture becomes a lived experience rather than a static display,” she said.
Anuradha Reddy, Convenor, Hyderabad Chapter, INTACH, stressed the importance of preserving regional history through museums and making them accessible to future generations. “It is important that every child remembers visiting a museum. Even if they simply walk through it once, that memory stays with them. Museums connect people with their own history and identity,” she said, adding that regional and site museums play a crucial role in preserving local heritage.
Shoba Rudra, Partner and Founder, RARE India, said travellers today seek authentic cultural experiences rooted in local heritage. “Localised museums, vernacular architecture and living heritage create deeper engagement and encourage visitors to spend more time at a destination,” she concluded.