#theburningquestion How is technology making museums relevant again?

Technology is one of the primary ways for museums to remain relevant in the 21st century, especially for younger, new-age audiences. Museums across the world are rethinking their purpose, narrative, and curatorial ideologies to make their content and programming more relatable and appealing.

Today, collections are being digitised and opened to the public online; digital museums are being launched; online viewing rooms for galleries and art fairs have become the norm; immersive exhibits, wherein one is engulfed in artworks that are projected on large, high-quality screens or walls, are being curated extensively around the world; and digital personas of artists are being created to connect with audiences on a more personal level.

For any museum, especially in India, the challenge remains to make the space appealing to younger audiences. The inclusion of technology and digital experiences instantly transforms a young person’s visit to the museum. We need to move away from presenting art history as an extended classroom session and instead educate our youth about Indian art, culture, and its intersection with everyday life in an interesting and holistic manner.

Abhishek Poddar, Founder and trustee, Museum of Art & Photography (MAP), Bengaluru