BIHAR MUSEUM IS NOT JUST A STOREHOUSE BUT AN EXPERIMENTAL MUSEUM: ARUN SHANKAR, MINISTER OF YOUTH, ART, CULTURE AND TROURISM

BIHAR MUSEUM IS NOT JUST A STOREHOUSE BUT AN EXPERIMENTAL MUSEUM: ARUN SHANKAR, MINISTER OF YOUTH, ART, CULTURE AND TROURISM

14-DEC-ENG 31

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA----------------------The Bihar Museum, Patna, is not just a storehouse of artifacts but an experiential museum where various programs are regularly organized. "The Bihar Museum Biennale is a powerful example of the idea that our heritage is not just a subject of history, but an energy for the future."

The above information was shared by the Honorable Minister of Art, Culture and Youth Affairs-cum-Tourism Department of Bihar, Arun Shankar Prasad, while expressing his views on the occasion of the 'Double Duth: Living Experience' exhibition organized under the Bihar Museum Biennale-2025 on December 4th.

The exhibition "Double Duth Living Experience," created by Sarah Kenderdine of Switzerland and her team, was inaugurated in the Children's Gallery on the first floor of the Bihar Museum. This exhibition explores how museums are transforming their form and methodology in the current age of technology. "Double Duth" is a unique attempt to bring this change to the forefront in a seamless manner.

On this occasion, Arun Shankar Prasad further said that our folk traditions are the soul of Bihar, which have remained vibrant for generations. The Bihar Museum has carried forward this glorious tradition in a modern form. Due to its architectural beauty, rich collection, and state-of-the-art conservation facilities, the Bihar Museum has created a special identity not only in India but also globally. It is a matter of pride for us that this museum has now emerged as a global cultural center and has been honored with numerous international awards.

The Director General of the Bihar Museum, Anjani Kumar Singh, presiding over the ceremony, said that they are bringing many new programs in the future. These include an exhibition of Patna Kalam at the Patna Museum from August 16th, along with several other events. The Additional Director General of the Bihar Museum, Ashok Kumar Sinha, said that various types of biennials, such as art, design, or architecture biennials, have been organized around the world, but they have mainly focused on artists and art institutions. For the first time, a museum has placed itself at the center of this dialogue, and thus, the Museum Biennale was initiated through the initiative of the Bihar Museum.

He informed that this is not only the first Museum Biennale in India but also in the world, which has brought together museums, curators, and cultural institutions. By bringing it to the forefront, it gave a new direction to international cooperation and cultural dialogue. Today, we can proudly say that this journey has progressed, and we organized its third edition in 2025.

Dr. Sinha expressed his gratitude to Mr. Anjani Kumar Singh, Director General of the Bihar Museum, and EPFL, IIT Jodhpur, and other collaborating institutions for this successful exhibition, who played a crucial role in making this event a reality.

On this occasion, Krishna Kumar, Museum Director, Government of Bihar, and Colonel Rahul Kumar, Director of NIFT, Patna, along with several distinguished literary figures, journalists, professors, artists, and administrative officers from the city were present at this glorious ceremony.

Thus, it would not be an exaggeration to say that under the leadership of the Director General of the Bihar Museum, Anjani Kumar Singh, the Bihar Museum has truly worked to carry forward our glorious tradition in a modern form.