Hyderabad: Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla called for comprehensive Salar Jung Museum modernisation to improve visitor facilities, upgrade galleries and expand educational programmes. The Governor, who also chaired the museum’s board, sought a planned approach to infrastructure development and exhibition improvements.
He stressed the need to display rare artefacts and historical collections through contemporary methods. He also wanted greater participation from students and young people in programmes covering history, art and cultural heritage.
Shukla chaired a meeting of the Salar Jung Museum Board at Lok Bhavan on Saturday, October 17. Board members and officials discussed 13 agenda items concerning museum development, visitor amenities and educational activities.
Salar Jung Museum modernisation plans covered eight galleries
Curator (Display) Ritesh Sharma presented the proposed gallery upgrades through a PowerPoint presentation. The proposals covered the Carpet Gallery, Modern Art Gallery, Indian Miniature Gallery and Toy and Taxidermy Gallery. They also included the Furniture Gallery, Musical Clock Area, Textile Gallery and Children’s Gallery.
Additionally, officials proposed developing a temporary exhibition gallery, a stepwell project and an interactive orientation space. The orientation facility aimed to help visitors understand the museum’s history, collections and exhibition arrangements.
The Salar Jung Museum modernisation proposals also included measures to strengthen the institution’s identity and improve navigation. These measures covered external and internal signage, fire and safety signs, shop and amenity banners, and a main directory board.
Officials identified these improvements as priorities for helping visitors locate galleries, facilities and other sections of the museum. The infrastructure proposals included centralised air-conditioning, improved public amenities and upgraded washrooms.
Other planned works covered roof waterproofing, dedicated carpet storage and improvements to existing elevators. Officials also proposed installing an additional elevator to improve movement within the museum.
The presentation identified guest house renovation, preparation of a museum master plan and project management as additional priorities. It also outlined the need to coordinate curatorial activities alongside infrastructure development and gallery improvements.
The Governor emphasised that museums served as important educational institutions rather than merely storing historical objects. He said museums connected future generations with history, art and the development of civilisation.
Therefore, he called for modern technology and improved interpretation methods to make exhibits more accessible and engaging. He also sought interactive displays and educational initiatives that would encourage children and young people to visit the museum.
However, Shukla stressed that infrastructure development should not overshadow the conservation and preservation of historical collections. He called for appropriate attention to protecting rare artefacts while improving exhibition spaces and visitor facilities.
Educational programmes formed part of Salar Jung Museum modernisation
Curator (Education) Jyoti Roy presented details of the museum’s educational programmes. She outlined initiatives designed to introduce students and young people to history, art and cultural heritage.
Following the presentations, board members discussed the proposed gallery modernisation and improvements to exhibition methods. The discussions also covered ways to strengthen educational engagement and improve the presentation of historical collections.
Governor’s Special Chief Secretary M. Dana Kishore and Union Ministry of Culture Under Secretary Suraj Kumar attended the meeting. Special Chief Secretary to the Government and GHMC Special Officer Jayesh Ranjan also participated.
Other attendees included Osmania University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kumar Molugaram and Accountant General (A&E) V.M.V. Nawal Kishore. Board members Prof. V. Kishan Rao, Dr. Sriperumbudur Jai Kishan and Dr. Raji Reddy Seelam attended the discussions.
Curator and Head of Office Dr. R.B. Naik and Deputy Curator (Conservation) Kalpana were also present, along with other officials.