‘Lucknow Museum of Heritage & Art' in Husainabad to open soon

Lucknow: A new cultural landmark is set to open in the city as the Lucknow Museum of Heritage and Art in Husainabad prepares to showcase the rich legacy of Awadh in a modern way. Developed by the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) over a land area of over 4,973 square metres, the museum will be open for the public within two months.Built at a cost of Rs 41.43 crore, the structure stands out for its unique design. It has a 45-metre-long cantilever, meaning a part of the building extends outwards without any support, making it one of the first such structures in the state without columns or pillars, said LDA vice-chairman, Prathmesh Kumar. He said the museum is expected to become a centre for learning, especially for young people, while also supporting local artisans and promoting cultural tourism. The museum features several themed galleries presenting Awadh's history and culture through artefacts, digital displays and interactive setups. ‘Mool Dhara' shows the region's history and development. ‘Hunar ka Safar', ‘Hastshilp' and ‘Karigari' focus on traditional crafts and artisans. Vandana Saigal, curator, principal and dean of architecture college, (AKTU), said the museum was designed as a "living cultural space" and not just a display centre. She said detailed research was done on Awadh's history, crafts, architecture and social traditions to ensure accuracy."Our aim was to create a space where people can experience history, not just see it," she said. "We studied records, spoke to historians, artisans and experts, and tried to present the true spirit of Awadh in this."