History and tech at new Prez estate museum

Museum offers a variety of technology-assisted novelties like virtual tours and state-of-the-art displays

NEW DELHI: The much-awaited second phase of a museum at the Rashtrapati Bhavan is ready to welcome visitors. Now, the legacy of Indian Presidents and chapters of the freedom struggle can be seen under one roof. What’s more? There will be a glimpse of how the planet’s second-largest presidential estate works.

Built at a cost of ₹80 crore and in 19 months, it will be the country’s only underground museum, and boast of state-of-the-art virtual reality exhibitions. A small section of the museum was opened a year ago. The completed museum will open to visitors on October 2.

“We tried to re-create the history and capture some of the important events. We showcase the gifts received by Presidents over the years and also the daily life in (the) Rashtrapati Bhavan, among other things,” said Omita Paul, the President’s secretary.

The new museum, built under the supervision of museologist Saroj Ghose, advisor to the President, will showcase more than 2,000 artifacts in a sprawling 1.30 lakh sq.ft space. It will also exhibit, for the first time, rare paintings of the British era.

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the museum on Monday, as Mukherjee completes four years in office.