Shimla has added a new chapter to its cultural landscape with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Digital Museum at the historic Bantony complex, an initiative aimed at preserving Himachal Pradesh’s rich heritage while making it accessible to future generations through advanced technology.
Inaugurating the museum on Friday, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu described the project as a landmark effort that combines history with innovation. He said the museum would serve as a bridge between the state’s past and its future, allowing visitors to experience Himachal Pradesh’s cultural and historical legacy in an engaging and interactive manner.
The Chief Minister said Bantony holds a unique place in Shimla’s history, and the opening of the museum marks the beginning of a new phase in conserving and showcasing the state’s heritage. He noted that the initiative goes beyond establishing another cultural institution, representing instead a modern approach to documenting and presenting Himachal Pradesh’s identity through digital platforms.
Designed with cutting-edge technology, the museum offers visitors an immersive experience using high-resolution 3D scanning, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), interactive timelines and digital storytelling. These features enable visitors of all age groups to explore the state’s folk traditions, handicrafts, spiritual heritage and the lives of freedom fighters in an engaging format.
The museum also traces Shimla’s transformation from a Himalayan hill settlement into one of India’s most historically significant cities. Its galleries showcase the architectural heritage of Himachal Pradesh, the contributions of prominent personalities, the story of the iconic Kalka-Shimla Railway, the evolution of the state since its formation, as well as its diverse art, culture and traditional cuisine.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the Digital Museum would emerge as one of Himachal Pradesh’s premier cultural institutions, preserving invaluable historical assets while presenting them to national and international audiences through modern technology. He said the project reflects the government’s commitment to protecting the state’s cultural legacy while embracing innovation to make history more accessible.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, MLA Harish Janartha, Shimla Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, State Disaster Management Authority Vice Chairman Deepak Rathore, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Director of Language, Art and Culture Reema Kashyap, along with senior government officials and dignitaries.
