President Droupadi Murmu Demonstrates How Artificial Intelligence Can Revolutionize the Future of Art Museums in India
In a groundbreaking move, President Droupadi Murmu showcased the immense potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming the art museum experience in India. The recently unveiled Navachara art gallery at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi has embraced AI technology, captivating visitors with its innovative approach.
Developed in collaboration with Intel India, the AI-enabled Navachara gallery offers a truly immersive experience for visitors, providing insights into the history and heritage of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Students, who were instrumental in creating the AI-driven exhibits, were among the first visitors to witness this technological marvel.
The introduction of AI technology in art museums is a significant step in the country’s quest for technological advancements in various sectors. This year has witnessed an array of technological interventions in both public and private art institutions across India.
The National Museum, under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Culture, has integrated Machine Learning, augmented reality (AR), and high-definition robotic cameras to enhance the museum viewing experience. The Pocket Gallery, an ingenious creation by the National Museum, allows art enthusiasts to explore AI and AR-aided artworks, specifically the museum’s collection of miniature paintings, using their smartphones, thanks to the collaboration with Google Arts & Culture.
Amidst this transformative period, the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) in Bengaluru has partnered with Accenture, a prominent American software company, to provide a truly immersive viewing experience. The collaboration has led to the creation of a conversational digital persona of the iconic artist MF Husain, who interacts with visitors using speech synthesis software. This remarkable fusion of art and AI has attracted widespread attention and has been hailed as a pioneering initiative.
MAP has also collaborated with Microsoft to introduce Interwoven, an online exhibition showcasing the rich history of South Asian textiles. This endeavor has not only opened up new avenues for connecting with the audience during the COVID-19 pandemic but has also highlighted the growing significance of digital museums in India.
Art museums in India are now being mentioned in the same breath as renowned institutions worldwide, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Smithsonian in Washington, and the Musée des Plans-Reliefs in Paris. Technology companies have played a pivotal role in this paradigm shift, making substantial investments and actively supporting AI-enabled exhibitions.
As Abhishek Poddar, the founder of MAP, aptly puts it, We’ve always wanted to be the museum for the future, experimenting and pushing the boundaries of what technology can do in the museum space as a meaningful tool for improving access and enhancing cultural experiences.
Artificial Intelligence is redefining the way we interact with art and culture, forging innovative paths to engage audiences and make art more accessible. With AI-driven art exhibitions gaining momentum, the future of art museums in India looks exceptionally promising.
As the country embraces technological advancements, it is evident that the marriage of art and AI is revolutionizing the museum landscape, providing a platform for creative expression, digital literacy, and immersive experiences for visitors. The integration of AI in art museums marks a transformative chapter in India’s cultural scene, enhancing the country’s global standing as a center for artistic innovation and technological progress.
