Pune : Increasing awareness about museums in Pune; The trend of the new generation towards preservation of heritage

Pune/ Gayatri Pavle : Known as the “City of Museums”, Pune is now seeing a renewed awareness among citizens about museums. Against the background of metro, IT parks, mall culture and rapid urbanization, the younger generation is again attracted to museums that preserve the city’s history, culture and heritage. A study titled “Museums and Heritage Sites— The Missing Link in Smart City Planning: A Case Study of Pune City” conducted by Flame University researchers noted that museums and heritage sites have received relatively little attention in Pune’s smart city development plan. The research highlighted the need to mainstream cultural heritage while technological and infrastructural facilities are given priority in city development.

The research states that museums in Pune are the “socio-cultural infrastructure” of the city. A study conducted through GIS mapping revealed that many museums and heritage sites are located away from the main transport system. However, in the last few years, a positive atmosphere is being created regarding museums in Pune.

Museums like Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Mahatma Phule Museum, Blades of Glory Cricket Museum, Joshi Railway Museum and Darshan Museum are witnessing an increase in the presence of students, tourists and youth.

Notably, concepts like “Hidden Museums of Pune”, “Heritage Walks” and “Cultural Trails” are gaining popularity due to social media. Many youngsters are experiencing Pune’s history in a new way through Instagram reels, photography tours and heritage content. New generation participation is increasing as some museums introduce digital displays, audio-visual presentations and interactive experiences.

A smart city is not only a digital and modern facility, but also a system that preserves the cultural memory of the city. Museums in Pune are not just displays of historical objects but also important centers that preserve the identity, tradition and social history of the city. Therefore, there is a need to give equal importance to cultural conservation along with economic development.

Famous museums

Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
Mahatma Phule Museum
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum and Memorial
Joshi’s Museum of Miniature Railways
Zapurza Museum of Art and Culture
Darshan Museum
Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum

“Museums are the true repository of thousands of years of human progress, good and bad memories, creativity and beauty. How have we become as a society? Museums are windows to the past to see and experience firsthand. Parents should introduce these museums to children for holistic intellectual education and learning wisdom from the past.”

— Ganesh Khutwad, (History Scholar)

Lesser known museums

Tribal Cultural Museum
R. K. Laxman Museum
Peshwa Museum
National War Memorial Southern Command

“If the teachers who teach history are good and creative, children will automatically be attracted to museums. Pune has the most museums in Maharashtra after Mumbai. Also, museums have really seen good days with the ‘Heritage Walk’ that has started in Pune on a grand scale.”

— Prof. Ganesh Raut, (Department of History, H.V. Desai College, Pune)

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