Ever since it was opened in May 1968, the iconic Government Museum and Art Gallery has been struggling with seepage issues. Key se...

Ever since it was opened in May 1968, the iconic Government Museum and Art Gallery has been struggling with seepage issues. Key sections of the museum have been closed for nearly two months due to the recurring problem. Water dripping from the roof has damaged portions of the ceiling, with buckets placed inside the premises to collect the water. In one of the affected galleries, panels from the roof collapsed, prompting removal of paintings from the Indian miniature painting section as a precaution. In the Gandhara art section, part of the CBSE curriculum for school students, a few artifacts are currently wrapped in protective sheets, restricting viewing. The closures have raised concern among art lovers, educators and visitors, as the museum remains a major attraction in the Tricity. From January this year till now, the Government Museum recorded a footfall of 29,738 visitors, including 1,113 foreigners. However, lack of adequate staff adds to challenges. At present, there are only two guides at the Government Museum, one at the Natural History Museum, and none at the Chandigarh Architecture Museum. The seepage problem highlights not just the maintenance issues in one of Chandigarh's most significant cultural spaces, but also the urgent need to safeguard its collections for future generations. https://lnkd.in/gKgrDR8t