Format: Paper presentations with discussion
Convenors:
Vishi Upadhyay
Curator, Bihar Museum, Patna, India
vishi.arch@gmail.com
Kamani Perera
Manager—Research & Development, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, Sri Lanka
kamani@cipmlk.org
Roshan Mishra
Director, Taragaon Next, Kathmandu, Nepal
write2roshan@gmail.com
Yongjun Kim
Professor, Institute of Cultural Heritage, Korea University, Korea
akedmina@naver.com
Until the 20th century, educating the public about cultural inheritance was a key museum objective, popular in a few public domains like history and archaeology. Over time, in the 21st century, various novel approaches have played a vital role in advancing museum industries led by younger generations employing existing and new technologies. Along with gaining education and information from museums, people these days are looking for experimental learning filled with joyous entertainment to enhance their palpable experience before they exit the museum. General visitors, like tourists and professionals, have developed formal and informal networks in peer review feedback systems through social media, leading to decision-making on new visitors. The financially stable museums can lead digital innovation to engage new generations; augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) have added fresh approaches to age-old heritage narratives. This has dramatically involved visitors in digital practices. Additionally, museums have significantly impacted how archaeological heritages of a region or nation are managed and studied, shaping their role in research and community engagement.
This session will explore how museums have been handling their regional responsibilities, competing with global collaborations, and creating new narratives by (re)interpreting accumulated collections to engage modern audiences, especially visitors of different age groups and diverse cultural backgrounds. Such underlying discussions on the evolving role of museums in archaeological research emphasise how museums can act as dynamic spaces for heritage preservation, cultural engagement, research innovation, and the 21st-century challenges that are taken up here. We, therefore, invite contributions touching on the lines such as archaeological materials in research, museum curation, museum management, public outreach programs, innovative curatorial practices, sustainable conservation methods, community-driven programs, educational resources, social and cultural relevancy, innovation, digitalisation and digitisation, innovative curatorial practices, community engagement programs, sustainable practices, conservation and preservation of heritage sites, storytelling, and new interpretations. This session welcomes worldwide researchers, museum professionals, conservators, archaeologists, and faculty members to contribute papers, no matter if the museum you work for is a ‘small scale/start-up museum’ or a ‘big museum’, and we look forward to engaging in impactful discussions.
Papers:
Persistent Identifiers (PIDs): Building Knowledge Networks in Archaeological Museums
Kamani Perera, Manager, Research and Development, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, Sri Lanka
Meeramani N., Librarian, Jain (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India
Persistent identifiers serve as essential components within the research information infrastructure, uniquely identifying individuals (researchers), organisations (places), and research outputs and contributions. They facilitate reliable connections between these entities, enhancing access to information, nurturing collaboration opportunities, minimising administrative burdens, and ultimately strengthening trust in scholarly endeavours. PIDs serve as indispensable tools in building knowledge networks within museums, allowing for the unique identification of individuals, organisations, and various contributions to the archaeological museum’s repository. By enabling clear and reliable connections between artefacts, researchers, and institutions, PIDs enhance access to information, foster collaboration opportunities, and streamline administrative processes. Embracing PIDs in museum documentation facilitates the sharing, validation, and preservation of cultural heritage, promoting creativity, critical inquiry, and informed decision-making. PIDs contribute to the establishment of healthy knowledge networks, enriching scholarly endeavours and strengthening trust in the preservation and dissemination of cultural knowledge and act as both unique identifiers and crucial connectors. By unequivocally linking an individual researcher with their research organisations, professional engagements, and other contributions, it makes the relationships among them. Utilising resolvable PIDs integrated with FAIR metadata, which adheres to the principles of Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability, ensures that researchers, their affiliations, and their contributions become more readily discoverable.
Total Quality Management (TQM) in Archaeological Heritage Museums in Sri Lanka
Kamani Perera, Manager, Research and Development, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, Sri Lanka
Heather Fernando, Sanasa Development Bank, Sri Lanka
Total Quality Management (TQM) can significantly advance archaeological heritage in Sri Lanka by inculcating a culture of continuous improvement and excellence across all facets of archaeological operations. TQM emphasises the importance of systematic processes, stakeholder involvement, and a commitment to quality enhancement, which are crucial elements for effective archaeological heritage management. Firstly, TQM principles can streamline documentation processes within archaeological museums, ensuring that artefacts, historical records, and other cultural materials are accurately catalogued, preserved, and accessible. By implementing standardised procedures for documentation, museums can enhance the reliability and integrity of their collections, facilitating research, education, and public engagement. Moreover, TQM fosters a collaborative approach to knowledge sharing, encouraging archaeological museums to actively engage with diverse stakeholders, including scholars, local communities, and policymakers. Through initiatives such as workshops, seminars, and digital platforms, these museums can facilitate the exchange of information and perspectives, enriching the understanding of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. Furthermore, TQM promotes a customer-centric mindset, prompting museums to tailor their services and programs to meet the evolving needs and preferences of visitors. By soliciting feedback, conducting surveys, and analysing visitor data, archaeological museums can continuously refine their exhibitions, educational programs and outreach activities, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Reviving Cairo’s Last Monuments: Museum Innovations for Heritage Preservation and Community Engagement
Hadeer Mahmoud Hussein Mohamed, Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Egypt; Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Office; Heritage and Museum Studies, Helwan University, Egypt
The proposed research explores the potential of reviving Cairo’s lost Islamic monuments through innovative museum exhibitions that incorporate historical documentation and modern technology. Drawing upon the iconic illustrations from Description de l’Égypte, this study highlights the significant role of French artists in documenting Cairo’s architectural heritage and their contribution to preserving cultural memory. The research addresses several critical questions, including which Islamic monuments in Cairo have been lost, how these structures can be reimagined in a museum setting, and the role of technology in enhancing their presentation.
This study advocates for a transformative approach to museum curation by moving beyond traditional artefact display to include immersive, audiovisual exhibits that revive vanished heritage. It proposes utilising restored spaces, such as the Baron Empain Palace in Heliopolis, as ideal venues for such exhibitions. With its central location, modern facilities, and thematic relevance, the palace offers a fitting environment to reimagine and present the lost monuments of Cairo, enriching both its cultural narrative and museum experience.
The findings of this research demonstrate the feasibility of creating innovative exhibits that combine historical documentation, artistic representation, and cutting-edge technology to bring these architectural treasures to life. This approach broadens the scope of museum practices, enabling them to engage diverse audiences and preserve intangible cultural heritage through creative storytelling.
Small Museums in the Himalayan State of Uttarakhand: Stories of People and Their Culture
Anjali Bharthari, Sushant University, Gurugram, India
Museums in India cover the gamut from large State-funded museums to small museums run by communities or even individuals. While museums are not the first choice of people to visit in terms of spending a day, there is a sizeable population that does visit museums and experiences them. There is a small but growing movement of community-run museums which is evolving in the country. These museums engage their collection as storytellers by exercising a single narrative approach that pushes the story forward. These spaces are not just about preserving the past, but also about educating future generations to prevent history from repeating itself.
In today’s context, they are defined as ‘People’s museums’. They create spaces where communities can tell their own stories and see their experiences reflected. Today’s museums pitch themselves as a space to rebuild relationships. As seen during COVID-19, they have come forward to address humanitarian crises and foster understanding. These initiatives assist in gaining widespread support, with thousands contributing to their establishment.
In, the newly formed state of Uttarakhand, given the diverse and difficult topography, museums have sprung up in remote areas of the mountains, which is an excellent development in the 25-year-old state. These have become a repository for local culture, handicraft, stories, etc. These also become centres for the documentation of regional history. This presentation narrates the story of 10 such small museums, which have created a niche for themselves in the last few years.
The Museum Beyond the Galleries: A New Start-up
Shivani Kamdi and Dr Janardhana B., Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, India
Rupesh Dhokane, Rastrasant Tuktoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, India
Museums are the institutional area where knowledge of past, present, and future is displayed from the point of view of self-explanatory methods, with few write-ups to aid visitors. As learning and knowing things have changed drastically with the application of technology in every aspect of life, then why has the setup for museums not also changed for a better experience and greater impact on visitors? Start-ups are the new way of experimenting in a venture without any set norms, but securing new ways by admixing several methods of demonstration for maximum effect. This start-up will give the visitors a new experience by engaging them in activities. The Museum Beyond the Galleries will focus on heritage villages; these will be taken up for an open museum, where no galleries are needed to display, but preservation of the tradition, along with visitor engagement, will be the priority. Apart from this, the interpretation centre and simulation area use AI and AR, giving the place a unique identification, while keeping traditional values alive. India holds a special place for culture and tradition, which cannot be kept in one room but can be explained while engaging in it. The Heritage Village Museum is a perfect example of a museum that is beyond the scope of galleries and will have a unique way of imparting knowledge and have a lifetime impact on visitors. There are many places in India that are not declared heritage villages but have some unique features that need to be seen in their original context. Here, the concept of a museum beyond galleries works.
The Impact of Touring Immersive Exhibitions on Visitor Experience: A Case Study of Tutankhamun’s Tomb Treasures
Amal Hamdy Mohamed Ebrahim, Archaeological File Officer, Follow-up and Performance Development Unit, The Grand Egyptian Museum, Cairo, Egypt
Museums worldwide face the challenge of continually innovating their exhibitions to engage audiences and remain relevant. Amidst this backdrop, the rise of immersive exhibitions has emerged as a promising avenue for museums to captivate visitors and convey cultural narratives in dynamic ways. These solutions can be designed to enhance existing exhibits or to create engaging new installations. By collaborating, museum professionals and exhibition organisers can harness the potential of these enriching experiences, elevating their exhibitions from mere displays to captivating journeys to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
This paper presents a case study of the Tutankhamun immersive exhibition, specifically examining its impact on the visitor experience at the Grand Egyptian Museum. It aims to advance the field of museum education and innovation by informing museum practices, driving innovation, and enhancing the societal impact of cultural institutions.
The research explores novel questions regarding the role of immersive exhibitions in enhancing museum efficacy and attractiveness and their potential to augment the value of tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
Methodologically, the study employs a comprehensive approach, combining audience surveys, observation, and qualitative analysis of the data collected from attendees, including expectations, experiences, and feedback to delve into the nuances of visitor engagement and perception.
Preliminary findings suggest that immersive exhibitions hold significant promise in fostering imagination, learning, and sustainability in museum contexts. By providing a fresh perspective on generating Egyptian immersive shows to be hosted all over the world.
Ultimately, the study offers insights into the efficacy and appeal of immersive exhibitions and underscores the importance of creating immersive experiences that not only entertain but also educate and inspire. It highlights the potential of touring immersive exhibitions to enrich cultural discourse, foster awareness, and deliver memorable experiences for diverse audiences.
Advancing Museum Accessibility: Inclusive Engagement for Neurodiverse Audiences
Himani Chopra, Co-founder, Times of Yore
Kajal Sharma, Co-founder, Times of Yore
In a time where museums are redefining their roles, how can they transform themselves into accessible spaces that harness cultural heritage to foster connection, learning, and emotional well-being? This case study examines ‘Echoes of Past’, a create-your-own-story book conceptualised and designed by Times of Yore; which engages neurodiverse audiences through interactive engagement with museum collections.
The initiative enabled participants to connect with collections by observing their textures, expressions, and emotional undertones through guided prompts and emoticons embedded in the book. These interactions formed the foundation for creating personal narratives, helping participants express emotions and build meaningful connections with historical objects.
‘Echoes of Past’ became a vital resource for therapists and caregivers, providing them with valuable insights into participants’ emotional and cognitive responses. By transforming static artefacts into relatable characters, the program cultivated creativity and a deeper emotional connection with the objects.
This initiative demonstrates how museum-based programs can be reimagined as inclusive, accessible experiences that use cultural heritage to facilitate emotional growth and personal expression. By integrating such programs, museums can redefine themselves as spaces for connection, learning, and healing, evolving into vibrant hubs where history, humanity, and inclusivity intersect.
Current State of Archaeological Collection Management in Nigerian Museums
Isah Ishaq Ishaq, Dept of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
Museum collection storage is a space where artefacts, objects, and works of art are kept for study, research, and future exhibition. The needs of this space are often overlooked in favour of front-facing operations, like exhibitions, by many museums across the globe and Nigeria is no exception. This neglect has led to the loss of priceless collections due to incorrect microclimatic conditions, theft, and flooding. This study presents conditional assessments of three archaeological collections storage spaces in Nigerian National Museums and one University Museum. Several approaches such as Museum visits, interviews, observation, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and desktop search were adopted to gather qualitative data. Findings from the study reveal that the structure (building) of the collection storage areas is not conducive for both the artefacts and the collections care staff of the museums. The study argues that non-adherence to preventive conservation measures due to the lack of trained personnel and absence of tools and equipment used in regulating microclimatic conditions in the storage areas were responsible for non-adherence to the collection storage standards in line with the international best practice in Nigerian museums. It concludes that proper implementation of preventive conservation measures in storage is the way forward.
Challenges and Opportunities in Developing Inclusive Outreach Programs for Lumbini Museum
Pashupati Nyaupane, Central Dept of Nepalese History, Culture and Archaeology Dept, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
This research explores the challenges and opportunities associated with the outreach program of the Lumbini Museum, a key archaeological site museum in Nepal. Situated at a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Buddha’s birthplace, the museum is vital for collecting, showcasing, and preserving diverse archaeological artefacts through modern museography. The museum displays artefacts from excavations, including 6th-century BCE PG Ware, NBP Ware, 3rd-century BCE coins, and artefacts of ancient Buddhist and Hindu civilisations. Additionally, the museum features photographic exhibits of three other major Buddhist sites, Sarnath, Bodh Gaya, and Kushinagar, that are intricately connected to the life history of Lord Buddha. To educate and engage diverse audiences locally, nationally, and internationally, the museum runs various outreach programs in collaboration with TU (Tribhuvan University). The research employs a qualitative methodology, using an ethnographic approach and Constructive theory. It also examines how social media and digital tools can enhance museum outreach through virtual tours, online lectures, and the global dissemination of educational resources. These outreach initiatives aim to inspire and involve communities in heritage preservation using inclusive techniques. The expected outcomes include foreign visitors, better educational opportunities for schools, increased community involvement, and a replicable outreach program model for other cultural groups.
Decolonising Museums: The Indian Context
Lasya Prashanth, Centre for Heritage Management, Ahmedabad University, Gujerat, India
Museums in India carry with them a long history of colonial politics, disruptions in cultural identities and strong narratives of nation building. Across decades there has been a significant shift in the impacts of these discourses, along with significant shifts in museum building itself. This paper focuses on the shift of meaning-making discourses from colonial India, beginning from the establishment of the first museum in Calcutta to the post-colonial nation at present. Key observations on questions of identity and knowledge dissemination are highlighted, including concepts of public seeing, such as darshan. An argument is made for a further shift in the discourse to re-imagine the museum as a decolonised space that is open for all. A new museum is imagined with the public at the centre, whose ideas drive the space forward. The new museum shifts away from the colonial gaze, steps down from producing knowledge and now focuses on generating new knowledge through public engagement. The present state of this new museum is evaluated through a short study of the Bihar Museum in Patna, Bihar. The central idea of increased public engagement is to present stories of the people but in a way that they deem appropriate. This would not be possible under the colonial gaze of the museum, whose only objective was to classify and quantify knowledge. An instance of the new museum can already be seen in the Partition Museum of Amritsar, where the collections and narratives come directly from the people that were affected by the Partition. The central axis of the paper lies in dismantling the colonial gaze of the museum and suggesting new ways for a post independent, modern museum in India taking into account the unique Indian context as its foundation.
The Role of Mobile Museum in Serving the Underserved Populations Especially at the Rural Areas and Remote Places Case Study: Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Reem Mohamed Abd-Elrahim Desouky Elshorbagy, Curator, Grand Egyptian Museum, Giza, Egypt
Mobile museum is an educational outreach program that brings the museum experience to the people rather than vice versa. It aims to deliver the museum services of the large museums in the big cities to the underserved populations, especially in rural areas and remote places. It is playing a vital role in making the museum more accessible and inclusive for all underserved communities.
The GEM mobile museum aims to provide creative outreach programs that help in raising the cultural and archaeological awareness of ancient Egyptian civilisation, through bringing educational activities and cultural havens to people who otherwise would have remained distant from them.
So, this paper aims to present the endeavour undertaken by the GEM educators to apply the idea of the mobile museum, emphasise the educational role of it in serving schools in rural areas and remote places, and present its impact on school students.
The methodologies used in this research are the Qualitative and the Quantitative Approaches. The qualitative approach is document review and interviews with officials. The quantitative approach is an online questionnaire sent to officials of local schools via email to recognise their needs and the obstacles facing them during planning to visit a museum.
Outreach and Community Driven Program at Bihar Museum – A Case Study
Ranjan Itik Kamal, Patna Museum, Bihar, India
The Bihar Museum was inaugurated on August 7, 2015, and has emerged as a pride for the people of Bihar. This paper aims to classify the program into two segments: the community-driven program and the outreach program. Since 2017, the Bihar Museum has engaged with diverse communities and participated in outreach programs worldwide. It aims to unite communities, including women, children, individuals with disabilities, and contemporary and regional artists. This effort is to encourage a love for history and art, while promoting social awareness and cultural exchange. This is accomplished via temporary exhibitions, seminars, workshops, mobile exhibitions, summer camps, and a museum biennale. The major programs in community engagement include the “Womeniya, Rhythm of Change” documentary movie, workshops for children, like “Back to the Superheroes from Reel to Real”, and an exhibition organised with the title “Fragrance of Art and Craft from the Soil of Bihar” and so forth. The category of outreach programs includes the museum biennale, mobile exhibition in the Sonpur fair, Hajipur, and Bihar Pavilion at New Delhi. This paper also adds suggestions for museums to enhance their outreach programs, to connect with villages, and globally promote culture, heritage, and social awareness.
Tailored Educational Programs for Silver (Senior) Audiences at Egyptian Museums: A Case Study from The Grand Egyptian Museum
Dr Enas Karim, Head, Education Section, Grand Egyptian Museum, Cairo, Egypt
Despite the proliferation of Egyptian museums and their notable impact on informal education, initiatives tailored for seniors have been largely overlooked. This represents a missed opportunity to harness the wealth of experience and knowledge that seniors possess, while also fostering their well-being and social engagement. Consequently, Egyptian museums should develop systematic strategies and proposals for educational programs specifically catering to seniors, informed by a thorough understanding of their interests, motivations, and preferences. This paper presents a case study outlining the design of museum educational programs tailored to seniors, assessing their impact on senior visitors and the broader community. Moreover, this paper identifies the characteristics, motivations, and preferred learning styles of senior museum visitors in Egypt.
The importance of the research lies mainly in the age cluster addressed by museum programs and the privileges granted to seniors through these programs. In this regard, the researcher uses educational programs designed for seniors in Egyptian museums and their effectiveness as a case study for more elaboration.
Additionally, it proposes a prototype for an educational program at the Grand Egyptian Museum. Research methods employed include questionnaires, surveys, one-on-one interviews, and field observations. Overall, this study contributes to closing the gap in research on museum programs for seniors and underscores their potential significant benefits.
Small Scale and Start-up Museums in Mumbai: Innovations in Cultural Preservation and Engagement
Parthivi Ujeer, Central University of Karnataka, India
Mumbai, India’s financial and cultural hub, is home to a variety of museums, ranging from big state-run establishments to tiny, neighbourhood-driven spaces. Its iconic museum includes the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, which dominates the cultural visage of the city. in recent years, however, small-scale and start-up museums have been proliferating. These small institutions provide innovative models of cultural engagement, focusing on local histories in niche art forms and high community participation. The small-scale museums in Mumbai can be defined as niche institutions, having limited budgets, and more focused on involvement with the community concerned. Most often, they are founded by independent curators or local organisations or passionate individuals interested in preserving and reinterpreting cultural heritage in ways that speak to current audiences. This paper talks about the influences these museums create on the city’s cultural fabric by concentrating on how they engage citizens, offer educational opportunities, or bring out alternative narratives largely ignored by large institutions. Despite their significant contributions, small-scale museums face numerous challenges, including financial instability, limited space, lack of professional resources, and difficulties in achieving visibility. However, these institutions also present opportunities for growth, particularly through digital engagement, partnerships with local communities and organisations.
Cultural Memory and National Identity: Exploring Indian Heritage Through the Biographical Museum of Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis
Ramyani Sengupta, Assistant, Museum Education and Outreach Dept, Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum, Ahmedabad, India
Dr Kishor Chandra Satpathy, In-Charge, PCM Museum & Archive, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, India
This study explores the cultural and socio-scientific relevance of the Indian scientist and father of Indian statistics, Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, through the lens of biographical museums, with an emphasis on how the Museum & Archives contribute to Indian history by conserving his publications, manuscripts, and personal items. Using Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis’ biographical museum as a case study, the research examines how archival collections convey the scientist’s legacy, highlighting the socio-cultural significance of their contributions to science and technology. The report discusses the scientist’s accomplishments and lasting impact, demonstrating how biographical museums blend historical accuracy with cultural narratives that represent pride in India’s scientific advances in nation-building. The research investigates how books, research notes, and publications—key components of the museum’s archival holdings—serve as educational resources and cultural artefacts, offering insight into the scientist’s philosophy, ethics, and socio-political vision. By examining how the museum curates and displays these materials, the paper discusses the ways in which the scientist’s work have shaped modern India’s identity, inspired youth, and promoted STEM education, blending scientific heritage with socio-cultural values. Indian biographical museums like PCMM&A contributes to cultural memory and nation-identity as well. This study concludes by reflecting on the broader implications for Indian scientific heritage public engagement in science.
Teaching Beyond the Classroom: Understanding the Educational Resources Shaping Museum Learning
Noorsaba Shaikh, SIES College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Mumbai, India
The museums stand for a certain keeper of culture, but today, they are gaining a status of an educational institution that educates beyond classroom walls. This paper elaborates how educational materials in the museum, particularly in Mumbai, influence educational outcomes and experiences. The study compares educational practices across various museums in Mumbai and presents an alternate view of how such spaces engage visitors of all ages with knowledge and use various mediums of experimentation. The study shows the variation between traditional teaching methods vis-a-vis technology-aided processes of teaching in the way they enhance learning. The research also looks globally at how museums use educational tools to improve visitor engagement. Social and cultural inclusion is another important focus. Museums provide platforms for underrepresented groups, fostering inclusive education. However, the study also highlights challenges in museum-based education, including gaps in resources and practices. It explores emerging technologies like VR and AR, emphasising the need to balance tech advancements with human interactions that maintain engaging learning experiences. In Mumbai’s shifting cultural landscape, museums remain spaces for knowledge and enjoyment, extending learning beyond traditional classrooms into dynamic, interactive environments.