Facelift plan for major museums

A Culture Ministry source said the ministry had asked for an amount of Rs 100 crore in the Eleventh Five-Year Plan, which is to be finalised soon.

These museums hardly get the kind of attention that they deserve and attract very few visitors compared to some of the leading museums of the world. The National Museum in Delhi gets about 800 visitors per day whereas France8217;s Louvre Museum attracts close to 50,000 people every day.

8220;It is not because we don8217;t have enough artifacts. In fact, we have much more, both in terms of quality and quantity, to show to the public,8221; said R R S Chauhan of the National Museum. 8220;We need to improve the way we display the objects which will require things like more space, better lighting, better colour schemes,8221; he said.

The committee has addressed most of these concerns and recommended that the National Museum be allowed to expand its building.

8220;The National Museum may be asked to ascertain from the NDMC and Delhi Urban Arts Commission the feasibility of constructing additional floors as well as two-level basements,8221; says the committee report.

For the renovation work, the ministry is in the process of inviting expressions of interest from relevant parties who can do the designs and thematic work, lighting, improvement of general ambience and signages.