Lucknow has added a new chapter to its cultural and tourism landscape with the launch of a 360° virtual tour of the State Museum. The digital-first initiative is part of a ₹1.72 crore renovation project, that has also upgraded the museum with a modern air-conditioned auditorium, a digital library, and a visitor-friendly cafeteria. Together, these enhancements bring heritage preservation into the digital age, allowing people worldwide to explore the city’s collections with just a click.

The highlight of the renovation is the virtual tour platform, which lets visitors take interactive walks through the museum’s galleries, zoom in on intricate details of artefacts, and explore 55 digitised exhibits from ancient and medieval times. Alongside, the manuscripts and archival materials are being digitised to support research and ensure long-term conservation. This positions the museum not only as a physical archive of history but also as a global digital resource for scholars, students, and heritage enthusiasts.

In addition to its digital upgrades, State Museum, Lucknow, is strengthening its role as an educational hub by actively engaging young audiences. Competitions, guided school tours, exhibitions, and film screenings are designed to make heritage learning interactive and inspiring. By combining history with innovation and outreach, the museum is creating meaningful connections between its collections and the next generation.

Located inside the Lucknow Zoo premises, the State Museum is one of the oldest multipurpose museums in India. Established in 1863, the museum has been a centre of cultural learning and research since its inception. The four-storey building houses diverse collections, from natural history objects to artefacts dating back to the Stone Age.

Visitors can also explore a wide range of galleries, including the Jain Art Gallery, Indian Sculpture Gallery, Archaeological Gallery, Nawabs Art and Coin Gallery, Egyptian Gallery, Metal Art Gallery, Natural History Gallery, and Buddha Gallery. These sections showcase a vast spectrum of history and art, both Indian and global.

The Government Museum in Mathura, situated approximately 380 kilometres from Lucknow, has also launched a standalone 360° virtual tour. This initiative allows visitors to remotely explore rare manuscripts, sculptures, and artefacts from the city’s rich collection. The initiative brings Mathura’s cultural heritage to life for researchers, students, and history enthusiasts worldwide, offering seamless access to the museum’s legacy online.

135 kilometres from Lucknow, Ayodhya is now gearing up to welcome a new Ramayana-themed wax museum during Deepotsav 2025. Spread over 10,000 square feet, the project will feature nearly 50 life-sized wax statues, crafted with lifelike detailing and supported by interactive storytelling.

At a cost of approximately ₹7.5 crore, the museum will highlight key episodes such as the building of the Ram Setu and legendary battle sequences, enhanced by audiovisual effects. It is expected to enrich Ayodhya’s tourism profile, offering an engaging experience for families, students, and visitors from around the world.