Nitmiluk Gorge

From Relics to Vision: The Role of Museums in Shaping Cultural Futures

Format: Paper presentations with discussion

Organisers: Dr Sunil Kumar Jha, Deputy Director, Bihar Museum, Patna, Bihar, India, suniljhaasi@gmail.com

Shanker Sharma, Ass. Prof., Magadh University, Bihar, India, shanker.sharma74@yahoo.co.in

Museums are vital institutions in safeguarding cultural heritage, acting as bridges between the past, present, and future. They house and preserve artefacts, traditions, and stories that reflect human creativity, history, and identity. In today’s globalised and rapidly changing world, museums play a crucial role in preserving cultural diversity and fostering a deeper understanding of humanity’s shared heritage. This session seeks to explore the evolving role of museums in cultural heritage preservation, interpretation, and promotion. It aims to highlight how museums not only conserve tangible and intangible heritage but also actively engage with communities to ensure that cultural narratives remain relevant and inclusive. By showcasing cultural diversity, museums contribute to a sense of identity, belonging, and mutual respect across societies.

This session invites museum professionals, archaeologists, historians, and related experts to present papers on a wide range of topics, including Museums and Cultural Heritage, Museums as Educational Hubs, Art and Iconography in Museums, Museums and Research, Museum Management and Future Directions, Museums and Tourism, Museums and Archaeological Preservation, Archaeological Storytelling in Museums, Archaeological Museums as Research Hubs, Open-Air Sculpture Gardens, Archaeological Theme Parks, and the Conservation and Preservation of Art Objects. The session aims to position museums as vibrant spaces for education, dialogue, and cultural diplomacy, ensuring that cultural heritage continues to inspire and strengthen resilience for future generations. This exchange of ideas will reaffirm the critical role of museums as guardians of our shared human narrative.