Idrees Bukhtiyar
Srinagar, May 16: The Department of Culture, Jammu and Kashmir, will celebrate International Museum Day on May 18 with special exhibitions and public outreach programmes at the Dogra Art Museum in Jammu and the SPS Museum in Srinagar.
This year’s theme, “Museums Uniting a Divided World: Connecting Cultures, Bridging Communities, Building Peace,” aims to highlight the role of museums in preserving heritage and fostering social harmony through cultural exchange and historical awareness.
According to the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J&K, specially curated exhibitions of rare artefacts, manuscripts, paintings, coins and heritage objects will be displayed for the public from 10 am to 4 pm. Entry to both museums will remain free and visitors will also receive special gifts during the event.
At the Dogra Art Museum in Jammu, visitors will get an opportunity to witness rare manuscripts including the Skand Puran written on palm leaf and manuscripts on birch bark. The exhibition will also feature terracotta heads from Ambaran Akhnoor, a special philately collection, old currency notes and the famous Basohli paintings.
Meanwhile, the SPS Museum in Srinagar will showcase an extensive collection of historical treasures including punch mark coins, Kushan gold coins, the Gilgit Manuscript, astrolabe, Tafseer-e-Qabeer, Shahnama-e-Firdousi, Sudhama series paintings, inscriptions in terracotta, Boddhisatva Padmapani in bronze, Afghan, Sikh and Dogra-period shawls, Mahabharat in Persian and a woven map of Srinagar.
An official of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J&K, said the event is aimed at encouraging people, especially the younger generation, to reconnect with the region’s rich cultural and historical legacy.
“Museums are not merely repositories of old objects but living spaces that preserve our collective memory and identity. Through these exhibitions, we want people to appreciate the diverse heritage of
Jammu and Kashmir and understand the importance of preserving it for future generations,” the official said.
The official said that International Museum Day provides an opportunity to promote cultural awareness and strengthen communal harmony through shared heritage.
“The rare manuscripts, paintings and artefacts on display reflect the civilisational richness of the region. Such events help bridge communities and inspire people to value peace, dialogue and cultural coexistence,” the official added.
The Directorate has invited students, researchers, tourists and the general public to visit the museums and witness the unique collections that reflect the artistic, literary and historical traditions of Jammu and Kashmir.