Mumbai’s Museum on Wheels is revolutionizing how children experience art, culture, and history. As the doors of the blue-coloured bus swing open, children of all ages step into a vibrant world filled with artifacts and untold stories. This initiative by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), a renowned art and history museum in India, aims to make art and history accessible to children, especially those in rural areas. With its mobile exhibitions, the Museum on Wheels sparks curiosity, ignites the imagination, and brings the magic of museums directly to the children’s doorstep.
A Mobile Gateway to Art and History
The Museum on Wheels, established in 2015, goes beyond being a mere collection of artifacts. It is an air-conditioned bus that serves as a mobile gateway to the world of art and history. By reaching children right at their doorstep, the initiative aims to break the confined definition of museums in India as brick rooms with collections. The mobile museum fosters education and understanding of art, culture, and history in an engaging and accessible manner.
Collaboration and Expansion
The inception of the Museum on Wheels was made possible through collaboration between CSMVS and the Ministry of Culture. Recognizing the need to bring museums closer to people, especially in remote areas, the Ministry welcomed the idea and provided an air-conditioned bus. Citi Bank partnered with the project in 2015, providing funds for the initiative. Seeing its success, the bank contributed a second bus in 2019. For the past eight years, these specially-designed buses have served as mobile exhibition spaces, bringing art and history to both urban centres and remote regions.
Designing a Unique Experience
Creating the Museum on Wheels was an unprecedented journey for the project team. They had no pre-designed model to follow and had to design the buses, decide on themes, manage navigation, and set protocols from scratch. Despite some minor challenges, they persevered, shaping a unique experience that captivates young minds’ imaginations.
Themes and Engaging Elements
Each year, the exhibition’s theme is inspired by the students’ curriculum, ensuring relevance and educational value. Past themes have explored the history of Indian money, the Harappan civilization, and fossils. The presentation incorporates engaging elements, such as exhibits, tactile replicas, demonstrative kits, interactive tablets, and captivating audio-visual presentations. Additionally, art and craft activities are conducted to provide a fun learning experience for the students.
Expanding Reach and Language Accessibility
Since its launch, the Museum on Wheels has covered numerous schools, colleges, and NGOs across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Goa, and the Delhi NCR region. It has reached over 14 lakh individuals, travelling a distance of 85,359 km to 678 different locations. To maximize its impact, the project plans to add three to four new districts every year. Sessions are conducted in Hindi, Marathi, and English, and the project team collaborates with local educators and student volunteers to facilitate translation in
states like Karnataka and Gujarat.
Facilitators and Tailored Learning
The Museum on Wheels currently employs three facilitators on a contractual basis. These facilitators cater to students of different grades, tailoring their teaching methods to create a welcoming and engaging learning environment. By accommodating various learning styles, the Museum on Wheels ensures that every student can comfortably grasp the information presented.
Continuing Success and Beyond
With eight years of remarkable success, the Museum on Wheels has evolved from reaching out to schools, colleges, and NGOs in Mumbai to receiving requests from institutions and residential complexes. Complementing the primary project, the Think Museums Project allows schools to collaborate with CSMVS to curate museum-like exhibitions, fostering further learning and knowledge sharing.
Conclusion
Mumbai’s Museum on Wheels has redefined the traditional museum experience by bringing art, culture, and history directly to children’s doorsteps. Through its mobile exhibitions, this innovative initiative by CSMVS has ignited curiosity, imagination, and a deeper understanding of our rich cultural heritage. By expanding its reach and tailoring learning experiences, the Museum on Wheels continues to inspire young minds and bridge the gap between museums and communities across India.
