**Executive Summary**
The Goa Science Centre, in collaboration with the Directorate of Museums, Government of Goa, is organizing International Museum Day 2026 celebrations from May 16 to 18, 2026. Centered on the theme “Museums Uniting a Divided World,” the event aims to highlight the importance of preserving cultural and scientific heritage through exhibitions and lectures. Key events include the "My Own Collection" exhibition and a valedictory function featuring the Chief Minister of Goa on May 18.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Event Overview and Theme**
* **Theme:** “Museums Uniting a Divided World,” focusing on promoting dialogue, understanding, inclusion, and peace.
* **Duration:** The celebrations run for three days, from May 16 to May 18, 2026.
* **Location:** Goa Science Centre, Panaji.
**Exhibition: “My Own Collection”**
* **Participants:** Features 25 hobbyists from across Goa displaying private collections.
* **Items on Display:** Includes coins, stamps, antiques, fossils, artworks, toys, vintage items, and rare books.
* **Schedule:** Inauguration is on May 16 at 11:00 am; the exhibition is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm through May 18.
**Educational Programming**
* **Keynote Lecture:** “History & Heritage of Goa from Ancient Times to 2019” delivered by Shri Prajal Sakhardande.
* **Timing:** May 16, 2026, at 11:30 am, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session.
**Official Functions**
* **Valedictory Function:** Scheduled for May 18, 2026, at 4:00 pm.
* **Chief Guest:** Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa.
**Impact Analysis**
**Students and the General Public**
**Impact**
They are provided an educational opportunity to explore unique historical collections and learn about Goan heritage through expert lectures.
**Action Required**
Interested individuals are invited to visit the Goa Science Centre between May 16 and 18 to attend the exhibition and participate in the lecture program.
**Local Hobbyists (Exhibitors)**
**Impact**
Twenty-five selected hobbyists gain a public platform to showcase their private collections of antiques, fossils, and other rare items.
**Action Required**
Participate in the exhibition by displaying their collections for public viewing during the designated event hours.
**Goa Science Centre and Directorate of Museums**
**Impact**
These organizations are responsible for facilitating the event to promote the importance of museums in heritage preservation.
**Action Required**
Coordinate the three-day program, host the guest speakers, and manage the logistics for the exhibition and the final valedictory function.
Key Entities Referenced
International Museum Day: An annual global observance (celebrated in 2026 under the theme “Museums Uniting a Divided World”) that highlights the role of museums in preserving cultural and scientific heritage.
Goa Science Centre: The primary institution and venue in Panaji responsible for organizing the 2026 celebrations, including lectures and public exhibitions.
Directorate of Museums, Goa: The state government department collaborating with the Goa Science Centre to coordinate heritage-focused programs and outreach.
“My Own Collection” Exhibition: A featured program within the celebrations showcasing diverse private collections from local hobbyists to promote public engagement with heritage preservation.
Ministry of Culture
GOA SCIENCE CENTRE TO ORGANISE
INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM DAY 2026
CELEBRATIONS WITH “MY OWN COLLECTION”
EXHIBITION
Posted On: 15 MAY 2026 12:58PM by PIB Mumbai
Panaji, 15 May,
2026
Goa Science Centre, Panaji, in collaboration with the Directorate of Museums,
Government of Goa, will celebrate International Museum Day 2026 from May 16 to
18, 2026 with a series of programmes highlighting the importance of museums in
preserving cultural and scientific heritage.
This year’s International Museum Day is being observed under the theme “Museums
Uniting a Divided World”, emphasising the role of museums in promoting dialogue,
understanding, inclusion and peace across communities worldwide.
As part of the celebrations, an exhibition titled “My Own Collection” will be
organised featuring 25 hobbyists from different parts of Goa displaying their unique
collections including coins, stamps, antiques, fossils, artworks, toys, vintage items,
rare books and other collectibles. The exhibition will be inaugurated at 11.00 am on
May 16, 2026 and will remain open to visitors from 10.00 am to 5.30 pm till May
18, 2026 at Goa Science Centre, Panaji.
One lecture on “History & Heritage of Goa from Ancient Times to 2019” will
also be held on May 16, 2026 at 11.30 am. The lecture will be delivered by Shri
Prajal Sakhardande, Associate Professor, Department of History, Dhempe College of
Arts & Science, Miramar, followed by an interactive question-answer session.
The valedictory function of International Museum Day celebrations will be held at
4.00 pm on May 18, 2026, with Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa,
attending as the Chief Guest.
The organizers are appeal to Students, visitors and the general public are invited to
visit the exhibition and participate in the lecture programme to explore the
importance and uniqueness of various collections and heritage preservation.***
Source-Goa Science Centre/PIB Panaji/Ambadas Yadav/Parshuram Kor
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