CHENNAI: To convert museums in Tamil Nadu into places of attraction and learning, the State government is contemplating a slew of measures, including staging of cultural festivals and children-specific shows there.
One of the key aspects of the mission is to make the museums ‘live’ and ‘vibrant’to organise cultural events and engage students and children.
“We are planning to hold cultural festivals in the premises of all museums in Tamil Nadu to attract visitors, students and children.Special events for kids are also part of the programmes being evolved to enliven the atmosphere in the museums,” Minister for Tamil official language and Tamil Culture K Pandiarajan told Express.
He added, “Shows of virtual reality and augmented reality also form part of the events that are aimed at engaging students and children.”
The government is thinking of observing ‘Art and Culture Day’ on December 23.The Chennai museum at Egmore is a major attraction and the State has got 20 district museums maintained by Directorate of Museums and 14 site museums under the control of State Archaeology department. These structures have been displaying wide and varied treasure trove that teach younger generations about the glory of Tamil culture, evolution of mankind, nature and flora and fauna.
According to Pandiarajan, “Steps are being taken to upgrade the site museums and establish museums in six districts which do not have them.” Moreover, the existing museums will be given a facelift. “We are going to re-imagine and re-curate the museums in a sublime manner,” he said. Funds for the renovation drive would be mobilised through public-private partnership and corporate social responsibility schemes.
Another focus area is turning the Chennai museum into a world class one, for which a comprehensive project is in pipeline. During 2016-17, 3.25 lakh visitors, including foreign tourists, stepped into Chennai museum, which fetched a revenue of `1 crore. The authorities are stepping up efforts to further increase the footfalls.Efforts are also being made to attract more foreign visitors by exploring marketing techniques.