Revamped Bapu Museum sees steady rise in visitors

Vijayawada: While there was a lot of skepticism when it came to maintaining a sustainable revenue model for the newly revamped Bapu Museum, officials cite that there has been a steady increase in visitors since the chief minister inaugurated the place on October 1.
Officials from the State Archaeology and Museums Department cite that the once the deserted museum, which barely attracted anyone outside school field trips, now gets many visitors daily.
Vani Mohan, commissioner of the department, said that despite Covid-19 around 200 people throng daily while the weekends sees over 500 people coming to the place.
“The revamping of Bapu Museum has been a personal interest for me as I have always been keen on history. From getting the Rs 8 crore fund approved by the government of India, speaking to consultants, executing the work and most importantly getting the chief minister to inaugurate the initiative, a tremendous job has been done,” Mohan told TOI. The museum stands first in the country to have augmented and virtual reality to make the respective artefacts speak to the public explaining their history and significance.
A digital wall and a touch-screen feedback kiosk was set up to make the entire museum experience more interactive. Explaining the challenges that still exists at the library, Vani Mohan said that the place needs more staff for maintenance and curators at the museum. The ticket price which has been increased to Rs 50 for adults and Rs 30 for children would not cover for the maintenance as the funds go directly to the treasury.
Officials have proposed a self-sustaining model like a public private partnership or attract funds from CSR funds at the place which is yet to get an approval. Secondly, they are also looking for remaining sanction of funds from Union ministry of culture to complete light-and-sound show.
“We are planning the same in other museums like Mylavaram in Kadapa, Penukonda, Kadapa town, Rajahmundry, Kakinada and Buddhist museum in Vizag,” the commissioner added.

Let’s block ads! (Why?)

Rate this post