“Even in today’s day and time, people from rural backgrounds, especially children, do not see museums as a place that can aid learning,” says Krutika Mhatre, project lead of Mumbai’s ‘Museum on Wheels’.  She aims to change this narrative. “If you can’t visit a museum, we can bring it to you.”

Launched in 2015 by Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Museum on Wheels brings history, art, and culture directly to rural children, ensuring that no one is left out. Over the years, it has reached over 14 lakh people and travelled more than 85,000 km.

For many children in rural India, museums can feel far out of reach due to distance and limited resources. Museum on Wheels bridges that gap, offering them a chance to experience history firsthand.

The project started with just one bus in 2015 but quickly grew due to its popularity. In 2019, a second bus was added with support from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

“The concept of museums, with a bricked room and a gallery of displayed objects, is old and outdated. It has evolved so much; for instance, they are now interactive and explore many educational aspects,” Krutika explains.

Exhibitions change every six months, covering topics like the Harappan civilisation and Indian coinage, making history more engaging for young minds.

“The kids show a lot of curiosity in such topics, there’s a spark in their eyes when they come across these pieces,” says Krutika. The exhibits are designed to engage kids with interactive models like life-size Rajasaurus skulls and other fascinating artefacts.

Initially, Museum on Wheels travelled across Maharashtra’s remote areas for four years before expanding to Goa, Karnataka, and Gujarat, and by 2023, it had further reached Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan, engaging over 14 lakh visitors from schools, colleges, communities, and villages.

Access to the museum and all its activities is provided free of cost, ensuring that individuals and institutions interested in hosting the buses can benefit without financial barriers.

How to book Museum on Wheels Booking Museum on Wheels for your school or community is easy! Interested institutions can contact the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya or Museum on Wheels team via their official website or contact number. Once confirmed, the museum bus will visit your location, bringing interactive exhibitions to your doorstep — free of cost.