Telangana Governor calls for modernisation of Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad

Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla has called for modernisation of the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad, with a focus on upgrading galleries, improving visitor amenities and expanding educational initiatives to attract more students and young people.

Chairing a meeting of the Salar Jung Museum Board at Lok Bhavan on Saturday, October 17, the Governor, who is also the chairman of the board, reviewed 13 agenda items concerning the museum’s development, infrastructure and educational programmes.

During the meeting, Curator (Display) Ritesh Sharma presented proposals for upgrading several galleries, including the Carpet Gallery, Modern Art Gallery, Indian Miniature Gallery, Toy and Taxidermy Gallery, Furniture Gallery, Textile Gallery and Children’s Gallery. Improvements to the Musical Clock Area were also proposed.

The plans include developing a temporary exhibition gallery, a stepwell and an interactive orientation space to help visitors better understand the museum and its collections. Proposals to improve internal and external signage, fire safety signs, amenity displays and the main directory board were also discussed.

Infrastructure upgrades under consideration include installing centralised air-conditioning, improving public amenities and washrooms, waterproofing the roof, creating dedicated storage for carpets and upgrading existing elevators, besides installing an additional elevator. Renovation of the museum’s guest house, preparation of a master plan, project management and coordination of curatorial activities were also identified as priority areas.

“Museums are not merely repositories of the past but important centres of learning that connect future generations with history, art and the evolution of civilisation,” the Governor added, calling for rare artefacts and historical collections to be presented through contemporary formats, modern technology and improved interpretation methods to make them more accessible and engaging.

Curator (Education) Joyoti Roy presented the museum’s educational programmes and initiatives aimed at familiarising students and young people with the country’s history, art and cultural heritage. The presentations were followed by discussions on gallery modernisation and improvements to exhibition methods.