PM Modi to inaugurate mega museum expo on May 18, unveil 'virtual walkthrough' of upcoming museum at North, South Blocks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a three-day international museum exposition and unveil a “virtual walkthrough” of the upcoming national museum at the British-era North and South Blocks here on May 18, 2023.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a three-day international museum exposition and unveil a "virtual walkthrough" of the upcoming national museum at the British-era North and South Blocks here on Thursday.

The International Museum Expo will be held at the Pragati Maidan from May 18-20 as part of the second phase of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, and its inauguration will coincide with the International Museum Day.

The scale of participation is huge, and about 1,200 museums are slated to take part in its various segments, officials said.

Three exhibitions have been planned as part of the event, including of 75 "star objects" -- artefacts drawn from illustrious collections of over 25 museums and institutions across India; exhibitions of covers of books and publications, including from pre-Independence era and an exhibition of Ragamala Series.

"These 75 star objects include a mix of original physical artefacts, replica of original artefacts and digital versions sent by some museums which could not send physical ones for the expo," a senior official told PTI on Wednesday.

Museums are taking part from India and various other countries through multiple segments like exhibitions, masterclasses, techno-mela, among others.

Victoria & Albert Museum, London; Hopp Museum of Budapest, Pushkin Museum of Russia, and a museum from Abu Dhabi are the participants among the international museums, the official said.