A new art gallery and cultural heritage centre is being developed near Golghar Museum in Shahjahanabad, Bhopal, aiming to showcase and preserve the rich cultural legacy of Madhya Pradesh. This initiative, led by the District Archaeology and Tourism Council (DATC), will provide a dedicated space for local artists to display and sell their artworks, traditional crafts, and antiques. The gallery will feature items from across the state, including hand-painted antiques, Bhopali wallets, zari-zardozi crafts, Itra (traditional perfume), and many other locally crafted pieces. While talking to ‘The Hitavada’ Ritesh Sharma (Executive Engineer of Smart City Bhopal) said that the gallery will consist of 12 shops, each offering a platform for artisans to display their talent and products.

 

These shops will be housed in an old building next to the Golghar Museum, which is currently being renovated for this purpose. The project is expected to be completed in about four months, providing a hub for both cultural exchange and commerce. Artists from remote areas of the state will no longer need to travel long distances to showcase their crafts, as this centre will serve as a permanent exhibition and selling space for their creations. In addition to the gallery, the project will also feature a canteen, allowing tourists to enjoy snacks and refreshments without needing to leave the museum complex. This will enhance the visitor experience, making it more convenient for tourists to spend time at the museum while enjoying local flavours. The Golghar Museum, once used as the office of Shahjahan Begum, the ruler of the princely state of Bhopal, holds significant historical importance. Built in 1869, the structure was originally known as ‘Gulshan-e-Alam’ and served as the secretariat during the Nawabi era.

 

Today, the museum stands as a reminder of Bhopal’s glorious past. The creation of this art gallery next to the museum is a strategic move to attract more tourists and offer them a deeper connection with the region’s history and culture. This cultural centre will also serve as a platform for cultural programs, providing academies and artists the opportunity to perform and showcase their talents to the public. The museum will become a hub for cultural exchange, helping visitors discover not only the artistic heritage of Madhya Pradesh but also its rich culinary traditions. By supporting local artists and offering tourists a unique cultural experience, this new initiative will play a pivotal role in preserving the state’s heritage and promoting Bhopal as a vibrant cultural destination.