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New science gallery to mark Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum's 60 years

Bengaluru's Visvesvaraya Museum Unveils New Science Gallery to Celebrate 60 Years of Inspiring Innovation

Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India, is set to add another feather to its cap in the realm of science and technology education. The Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum (VITM), a cornerstone of scientific curiosity in the city, is marking its 60th anniversary with the launch of a state-of-the-art New Science Gallery. This ambitious project promises to blend cutting-edge interactive exhibits with historical tributes, aiming to ignite the imaginations of future generations while honoring the legacy of one of India's greatest engineers, Sir M. Visvesvaraya.

Established in 1965, the VITM has long been a beacon for science enthusiasts, students, and families alike. Nestled in the heart of Bengaluru's Cubbon Park, the museum was conceived as a tribute to Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, the legendary engineer and statesman whose contributions to India's infrastructure and industrial development remain unparalleled. Over the decades, VITM has evolved from a modest collection of industrial artifacts into a dynamic hub of technological wonders, attracting millions of visitors annually. Its halls have showcased everything from steam engines and aircraft models to space exploration exhibits, fostering a culture of inquiry and innovation in a country rapidly advancing in science and technology.

The 60th anniversary celebrations, culminating in the opening of the New Science Gallery on July 26, 2025, represent a significant milestone. Museum director Dr. Anand Rao emphasized the gallery's role in bridging the past and future. "As we celebrate six decades of service, this new addition is not just an expansion but a reinvention," Dr. Rao stated during a recent press briefing. "We aim to make science accessible, engaging, and relevant to today's challenges, from climate change to artificial intelligence."

The New Science Gallery, spanning over 5,000 square meters, is designed as an immersive experience that integrates multimedia installations, hands-on experiments, and virtual reality simulations. Themed around "Innovation Through the Ages," it will feature distinct zones dedicated to various scientific disciplines. One highlight is the "Engineers' Legacy" section, which pays homage to Sir Visvesvaraya through interactive displays of his engineering marvels, such as the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam and the automatic sluice gates he pioneered. Visitors can engage with scale models that demonstrate hydraulic principles, allowing them to simulate flood control mechanisms and understand the ingenuity behind these century-old innovations.

Adjacent to this is the "Frontiers of Technology" zone, which delves into contemporary advancements. Here, exhibits on robotics, biotechnology, and renewable energy take center stage. Imagine stepping into a virtual lab where you can program a robot to navigate obstacles or explore the human genome through augmented reality. The gallery incorporates sustainable design elements, with solar-powered interactive kiosks and exhibits made from recycled materials, underscoring the museum's commitment to environmental consciousness.

Education has always been at the core of VITM's mission, and the new gallery amplifies this focus. Partnerships with institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) have enabled the inclusion of live demonstrations and workshops. School groups will benefit from tailored programs that align with curricula, such as sessions on quantum computing or nanotechnology. "We want to demystify complex concepts," explained curator Priya Menon. "For instance, our AI exhibit lets children interact with chatbots that explain machine learning in simple terms, making it fun rather than intimidating."

The anniversary celebrations extend beyond the gallery's launch. A series of events are planned throughout the year, including guest lectures by renowned scientists, science fairs, and cultural programs. Notable among them is a symposium on "Sustainable Development in the Visvesvaraya Era," featuring experts discussing how historical engineering practices can inform modern solutions to global issues like water scarcity and urban planning. Additionally, a traveling exhibition will take VITM's treasures to schools in rural Karnataka, ensuring that the museum's reach extends beyond urban confines.

Reflecting on the museum's journey, it's worth noting how VITM has adapted to changing times. In the 1970s and 1980s, it focused on industrial machinery, mirroring India's post-independence push for self-reliance. The 1990s brought in computer science exhibits as the IT boom transformed Bengaluru. Today, with India emerging as a space and tech powerhouse, the museum incorporates elements from ISRO's missions and startups in the city's ecosystem. Visitor numbers have surged, with over 1 million annual footfalls pre-pandemic, and digital outreach has expanded its audience globally through online virtual tours.

The New Science Gallery also addresses inclusivity, with features for differently-abled visitors, such as tactile models for the visually impaired and sign language-guided tours. Funding for the project comes from a mix of government grants, corporate sponsorships from tech giants like Infosys and Wipro, and public donations. This collaborative spirit echoes Sir Visvesvaraya's own philosophy of public-private partnerships for national progress.

Critics and supporters alike see this development as timely. In an era where misinformation and pseudoscience proliferate online, institutions like VITM play a crucial role in promoting evidence-based thinking. "Museums are not relics; they are living classrooms," noted science communicator Dr. Rajesh Kumar. "This gallery will inspire the next wave of innovators, much like how Visvesvaraya inspired generations."

Looking ahead, VITM plans further expansions, including a dedicated wing for space sciences in collaboration with ISRO and potential international tie-ups with museums like the Smithsonian. As Bengaluru continues to grow as a global tech hub, the museum stands as a reminder of the city's roots in engineering excellence.

The launch event on July 26 will be graced by dignitaries, including Karnataka's Chief Minister and representatives from the Union Ministry of Science and Technology. Free entry for the first week aims to draw crowds, with special programs for underprivileged children. For many, this isn't just a celebration of 60 years—it's a launchpad for the next 60, where science meets imagination to shape India's future.

In essence, the New Science Gallery embodies the enduring spirit of curiosity that VITM has nurtured since its inception. From humble beginnings to this grand milestone, the museum continues to evolve, ensuring that the flame of knowledge burns bright in the minds of young and old alike. As Sir Visvesvaraya once said, "Industrialize or perish"—words that resonate today as India strides toward becoming a knowledge superpower. With this new addition, VITM is not only commemorating its past but boldly charting a course for tomorrow's discoveries.

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Read the Full The New Indian Express Article at:
[ https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2025/Jul/26/new-science-gallery-to-mark-visvesvaraya-industrial-and-technological-museums-60-years ]