Ahmedabad's LD Museum has earned international acclaim for its innovative 'Museum by Light' initiative, which recently received recognition on the prestigious British Museum International Training Programme website. This acknowledgment highlights the program's success in making museum experiences accessible to diverse audiences.
Connecting Communities Through Extended Hours
The 'Museum by Light' program, designed specifically to reach audiences who cannot visit during regular museum hours, recently celebrated a significant milestone. The initiative completed 30 months and 30 successful editions on November 28, marking two and a half years of bringing cultural enrichment to Ahmedabad's residents and visitors during evening hours.
According to Priyanka Kundu, the keeper of the museum, the concept was launched in 2023 with a simple yet powerful vision: to make the museum's collections and programming available to working professionals, students, and others whose schedules prevent daytime visits. Under this program, the museum remains open until 9pm for visitors, transforming the cultural landscape of Ahmedabad's evenings.
More Than Just Extended Hours
The 'Museum by Light' experience goes beyond simply keeping the museum doors open late. The evening sessions often feature thematic talks or interpretative performances that provide deeper context and engagement with the museum's collections. This approach has created a unique cultural atmosphere that distinguishes it from traditional museum visits.
The recognition from the British Museum International Training Programme represents significant international validation for the Ahmedabad-based institution. This global platform showcases innovative museum practices worldwide, making the LD Museum's achievement particularly noteworthy for India's cultural sector.
A Model for Museum Accessibility
The success of 'Museum by Light' demonstrates how cultural institutions can adapt to serve broader audiences. By extending operating hours and incorporating engaging programming, the LD Museum has created a template that other museums across India might emulate.
The program's 30-month journey shows sustained commitment to accessibility and community engagement, proving that there is substantial public interest in cultural experiences outside conventional hours. This initiative positions Ahmedabad as a city embracing innovative approaches to cultural preservation and education.
As 'Museum by Light' continues to evolve, its recognition by an institution of the British Museum's stature signals growing international interest in Indian cultural innovation and accessibility initiatives.
