75.Are Museum visits truly fruitful?

 

We often hear that museums are treasure troves of knowledge—places where history, art, and culture come alive. But are they always enough? Do they fully ignite our curiosity and deepen our understanding? 

Museums undeniably offer invaluable opportunities for learning first hand about civilizations, scientific marvels, and artistic masterpieces. Guides often serve as the storytellers, weaving facts with flair. But can they really enlighten us on the rich tapestry of cultural stories behind each artefact? 

Last week, I found myself pondering this question in a very personal way. While preparing for my classes  on Indian Knowledge Systems—a key part of the new Four Year Integrated Teacher Education Programme—I used to  delve into the fascinating worlds of ancient Indian architecture and kingship. To illustrate, I shared a story from Kerala history: the exquisite craftsmanship of the Sri Padmanabha Swami temple’s Gopuram, and the legendary act of the Travancore king surrendering his sword and wealth to serve as a humble devotee of Lord Padmanabha—an act of humility and devotion unheard of among rulers worldwide. 

 

Last  week when a group of my former students from NIT Calicut visited Trivandrum, I recommended exploring local heritage sites like the Napier Museum, Sree Chitra Art Gallery, Kutharamalika Palace, and Chitralayam near the temple. At Chitralayam, as the guide shared facts about old photographs and artworks, I couldn’t help but add cultural insights—stories that breathe life into the artefacts beyond mere dates and names. For example, when the guide pointed to the Vallakadavu boat jetty, I shared how it was part of an ancient waterway used for transporting goods—a piece of local history that adds depth to the exhibit. 

But here’s the catch: the guide, noticing my familiarity with the site, quietly stepped back—probably realizing I could contribute more. And that made me reflect: how much cultural richness do we miss when we rely solely on guides? 

The truth is, despite their expertise, guides face the challenge of covering the vast, complex collections they oversee. They know a lot, but not everything—especially about the nuanced stories behind each artefact. 

So, what’s the takeaway? When you take students or visitors to a museum, don’t just let the guide do all the talking. Take the initiative—share your own insights, ask questions, and weave cultural stories into the narrative. Be an active participant in the learning journey. 

I’m sharing a screenshot of a message from one of my students after the recent museum visit—proof that a little curiosity and effort can make heritage exploration truly enriching. 

Remember: Museums are not just about viewing objects—they’re about experiencing the stories that make our history and culture come alive.