On this International Museum Day Explore Rich Heritage and Museums of Pune

The concept for this day originated in 1951 during the Museums and Education-themed meeting in Moscow, known as the Crusade for Museums, which aimed to enhance museum accessibility.

16th May 2024

By Sukhmani Kooner 

International Museum Day is celebrated on 18^th May every year. In 1977, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) established the day to advocate for the significance of museums in society. The theme for International Museum Day 2024 is “Museums for Education and Research”. 

History

International Museum Day was formally established in 1977 during the ICOM General Assembly held in Moscow, Russia. The concept for this day originated in 1951 during the Museums and Education-themed meeting in Moscow, known as the Crusade for Museums, which aimed to enhance museum accessibility.

In 1977, the framework proposed during the earlier meeting was endorsed at the ICOM General Assembly, and subsequently, in 1979, the inaugural official poster, titled “Fighting Illicit Traffic in Cultural Goods,” was introduced and adopted by 28 countries.

In 2011, ICOM further expanded its efforts for International Museum Day by launching a dedicated website and communications kit. Additionally, for the first time, ICOM supported the European Night of Museums as its patron. This event, celebrated annually on 18th May, highlights global collaboration in museum endeavours and promotes public engagement with museum culture.

This International Museum Day, let’s take a journey to look into Pune’s museums and its cultural diversity: 

·       Shiv Srushti Museum: Located at Shivsrushti Pune Ambegaon BK, Katraj Bypass, Pune, the ShivSrushti museum can be reached by taking PMPL bus from Swargate to Ambegaon or from Deccan to Ambegaon. 

It is open to visitors throughout the week: from 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays and from 10 am to 6 pm on weekends. For entry, adults have to buy an entry ticket for Rs. 350 while kids below 14 years of age have an entry fee of Rs. 120. If you are a group of 25 or more people, you get an additional discount with the fees at Rs. 250 per person. The tickets can booked directly at the booking counter of the museum.

There are guides available in the museum who can explain the different artefacts in both Marathi and Hindi. While photography is prohibited inside the galleries and shows, you can click photos on the museum premises. Additionally, the museum provides wheelchair facilities for physically disabled persons on request. You cannot carry food and drinks inside the museum but light snacks can be bought at the museum cafeteria.

Contact:  095796 22456

·       Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum: Located at No. 1377/78, Kamal Kunj, Bajirao Rd, Natu Baag, Shukrawar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411002, the museum boasts a vast collection of nearly 20,000 artefacts from around the world. The eclectic array includes musical instruments, Mughal lamps, nutcrackers, paintings and vessels crafted from terracotta, brass, copper and silver, alongside numerous mythological artworks. A highlight of the museum is the replica of Mastani Mahal, renowned for its opulent décor, majestic chandeliers, and exquisite paintings. 

Additionally, the Institute for Musicology and Finer Arts operates within the museum premises. It is open every day from 10 am to 5:30 pm. The entry fee is as follows: Indian Adults ₹100 Per Person, Indian child ₹30 Per Person, Foreigner Adult ₹300 Per Person, Foreigner Child ₹100 Per Person, Physically Challenged Person (Free Entry), Mobile Photography (₹100 Each), Still Photography (₹200 Each) and Videography (₹500 Each).

Contact: 020 2448 2101

·       Tribal Museum Pune: Located at the Tribal Research & Training Institute, Koregaon Rd, Camp, Pune, Maharashtra 411001, the museum offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of indigenous groups from the Sahyadri and Gondwana regions of Maharashtra. 

Displaying a rich tapestry of traditions, cultures and heritage, it showcases daily life artefacts from remote tribes, including those from Marai, Bahiram, Wagdheo and Danteswari tribes. The collection features textiles, jewellery, arms and armour, handicrafts, ornaments, musical instruments, clothing, utensils and weaponry. 

Situated at 28, Queen’s Garden, near Old Circuit House on Bund Garden Road, Pune, the museum welcomes visitors from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Entry fees are Rs.10 for Indian nationals and Rs. 200 for foreigners.

Contact: 020 2636 2772

·       Joshi’s Museum of Miniature Railway: Located at 17/1 B/2, Late GA Kulkarni Path, near Karishma Society, Kothrud, Pune, Maharashtra 411038, this museum was established in 1998. It boasts the distinction of being the sole miniature city museum in the country, earning a coveted spot in the Limca Book of Records. Founded by Mr. Bhau Joshi, whose lifelong passion for trains and miniature cities inspired the museum’s creation, it stands as a testament to his fascination with the marvels of wheels on tracks. 

Featuring a jaw-dropping display of intricately designed miniature railways, the museum’s control panel boasts a network of 1000 wires spanning over 5 kilometres. Handcrafted with meticulous detail, the exhibit includes 65 signals, fences, lampposts and flyovers. The control panel offers both manual and computer-controlled operation, providing visitors with an immersive experience. 

It is free for children below 3 years and ₹120/- per head for persons above age 3. The museum welcomes visitors from 9:30 am to 5 pm on weekdays (until 1 pm on Thursdays), and from 9:30 am to 4 pm and 5 pm to 8:00 pm on Saturdays, with special hours from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Sundays.

Contact: 020 2543 5378

·       Blades of Glory Cricket Museum: Located at Govind Gaurav Apartments., Swanand Society Lane 1, Sahakar Nagar 2, Swanand Society, Tulshibagwale Colony, Parvati Paytha, Pune, Maharashtra 411009, spanning across a 4,000 sq ft area, it offers a comprehensive journey through the evolution of cricket over the past three centuries. Showcasing a wealth of memorabilia, it features numerous cricket bats autographed by legendary figures spanning from Clive Lloyd’s West Indies team in 1975 to Michael Clarke’s Australia in 2015, including bats signed by all 11 World Cup-winning teams. 

Notable items on display include the trousers worn by Sachin Tendulkar during his 50th Test century and Virender Sehwag’s jersey from his memorable double century against Sri Lanka, alongside various cricket gears autographed by renowned players worldwide. 

The museum welcomes visitors daily from 10 am to 7 pm with an entry fee of Rs. 200, while children under 2 years can enter for free. They also offer discounted rates for a group of students over 50.

Contact: +91 9822454567

R.K.LAXMAN Museum of Art

R.K.LAXMAN Museum of Art is a vision of Hon. Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modiji. The Government of Maharashtra took up the project under the guidelines of Hon. Shri. Modiji. The Pune Municipal Corporation undertook the responsibility to execute the project. They identified a plot in Balewadi, Pune and started the infrastructure work of the museum.

The architectural design of the museum was assigned to UNITECTURE, a design consultancy firm. They started the work in the year 2015 and completed in 2020. The architectural layout was for having a temporary exhibition centre, hall of fame, exhibits of Laxman’s cartoon and a cafeteria. The design of the R.K.Laxman museum has been assigned to Laxman’s family.

The project started in the year 2020 after all the due diligence got completed. Due to Covid 19 there was a delay for almost 8 months, but that did not hamper our spirits. This is a project very close to my heart, doing something for our dear father who has left a huge legacy behind through his 80 years contribution, self-made with just one clear focus—‘SERVE THE COMMON MAN’

Website : https://www.rklaxmanmuseum.com/

Bookings :

Tickets are available online and at the venue . All entrance tickets include admission to the permanent collection and the current temporary exhibitions. All visitors need a ticket with a start time to have access to the museum.

Ticket Prices

Museum Visit Only: Rs.50/-

Museum Visit with Light and Sound Show: Rs.100/-

Museum Timings: Tuesday – Sunday: 10AM – 5PM And Monday – Holiday

Museum Location: 
R.K.LAXMAN MUSEUM, 24/4. LAXMAN NAGAR, BALEWADI. PUNE,
MAHARASHTRA-410045. ADJACENT TO TWO STICKS