Museums to go online soon

“We have been thinking about the concept of online museums for a long time. All one needs is a computer and Internet connection. We are creating a website where exhibits and collections of different museums will be displayed with the help of walk-through videos,” said Ingit Mukherjee,Director General of NCSM.

He added: “The plan is to not only cover science centres and museums across the country but also highlight the work we have done abroad.”

According to NCSM officials,the main purpose behind the project,which was initiated last year,was to create an informative platform about science centres and museums across the country.

After logging on to the website,visitors will be taken on a virtual tour of the museums along with basic write-ups on its collections.

The site is also expected to have a question-answer section where visitors can put forward their queries and receive response from scientists.

A few CDs containing gallery visuals and photographs have already been compiled and is in the final phase of programming.

“We are trying to replicate the exhibits of BITM’s transport gallery to be displayed on the website.”

The website,which is in the process of getting a domain name and registration,will provide non-formal science-related education.

“Since it is not possible to cover all information in one go,we are thinking of taking up one centre at a time and keep updating the site,” Mukherjee said. The site is likely to be called either “popscience.com” or “popscience.in”.

“Once major centres are covered,the site will take up units at the regional and sub-regional levels,” he added.