Around 200 Recovered Artefacts To Be Showcased At International Museum Expo 2023 In National Capital

About 200 stolen rare artefacts recovered from abroad are going to be showcased in the upcoming Museum Expo 2023 in the Capital.

The three-day International Museum Expo 2023 at Pragati Maidan will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 18 May.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is making all efforts to recover stolen antiquities from abroad. There are antique idols and sculptures, rare paintings, decorative wooden panels and terracotta figures among others which have been retrieved from various countries.

The recovered antiquities include Nataraja of Chola period, Terracotta Yakashi of Tamluk, Image of Buddha and Mahisamardini among other rare artefacts.

The International Museum Expo is a one of its kind historic event as it is the first time the government will showcase new technology and initiatives for development of museums, said Tourism and Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy.

The expo aims to facilitate a holistic conversation and showcase the diverse cultural heritage exhibited by various museums across the country.

Reddy said with the cooperation of various departments, including museum development, experts, and senior officers, India's rich cultural heritage will be on display and those recovered artefacts would also be showcased in the Museum Expo.

The Ministry of Culture has established 383 museums till date, out of which 145 have been commissioned and opened during the last nine years.

The International Museum Expo will not only demonstrate India's soft power but will also act as a means to bridge the gap between economy and knowledge, said Minister of State for Culture Meenakashi Lekhi.

This initiative has been undertaken to commemorate the 47th International Museum Day, as part of the second phase of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

The event will offer a comprehensive platform for museum professionals and enthusiasts to exchange ideas and insights and promote cross-cultural learning and understanding.

Lekhi said that since 2014 , new museums are being also opened in the tier 2 cities to connect the masses especially the youth to their Culture and heritage.    

She also added that the International Museum Expo will not only demonstrate India's soft power but will also act as a means to bridge the gap between economy and knowledge.

Several prominent personalities including museum professionals and aligned service-technology providers, academicians, school and college students from national down to community level will be present to grace the occasion with their presence.

During the three-day International Museum Expo, there will be a focus on various themed museums, which will be explored through workshops, seminars, master classes, panel discussions, and other events.

International museum professionals, diplomats, curators, consultants, academicians, and students from various fields across the world are invited to participate in these activities, providing a unique opportunity for cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration.