Kolkata’s iconic institution aims to make cultural heritage more accessible to students across all backgrounds
PRAVASISAMWAD.COM
In a move designed to ignite young minds and make history come alive, the Indian Museum in Kolkata has announced free entry for school groups, reversing its earlier decision to charge students under 18 a nominal entry fee, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
The initiative aims to nurture curiosity, promote learning, and build future custodians of India’s cultural legacy.
Entry was previously free for school groups, but a fee of ₹20 was introduced in 2019. Last month, the Board of Trustees decided to revoke that charge, following a recommendation by the museum’s finance committee made in December.
“Recognising students as the future custodians of our cultural legacy, Indian Museum is committed to nurturing curiosity and promoting learning from an early age,” said Director Arijit Dutta Choudhury. He added that eliminating entry barriers will help foster a lifelong interest in history and culture among children.
A living classroom for the young generation
Deputy Director Sayan Bhattacharya emphasized the museum’s evolving role beyond being a repository of antiquities. “This is a living heritage site that elicits curiosity and sparks imagination in kids. Every child deserves the chance to engage with and take pride in our cultural legacy,” he said.
The museum’s vast and diverse collection offers students a captivating journey through India’s civilisational milestones. Highlights include the 3,200-million-year-old Stromatolite fossil (South Asia’s earliest known life form), artefacts from the Harappan civilisation, relics of Buddha, the Ashokan Lion Capital, and exquisite ancient sculptures.
A consistent student favourite is the 4,500-year-old Egyptian mummy—among the earliest ever exhibited in a museum worldwide. Other major draws include dinosaur eggs, a mammoth skeleton, rare botanical treasures, and intricate ivory artefacts.
