Lucknow: In a major push the folk art museum will be expanded with an additional Rs 14.98 crore has been sanctioned by UP culture department to add new attractions and enhanced exhibition spaces, positioning it as a key heritage destination while preserving and promoting traditional art forms for a wider audience.This follows after renovation of the museum with Rs 3 crore that included improvement in its infrastructure, waterproofing of the building, new marble flooring and improved stairways to ensure smoother movement, focused lighting to better showcase exhibits and installation of wall paintings.The Folk Art Museum, established in 1989, is a part of State Museum, Lucknow located in Lucknow Zoo. It is dedicated to the collection, preservation and exhibition of UP’s folk arts.Currently, the museum has four galleries representing the regions of state such as Braj, Avadh, Bhojpur, Bundelkhand and Rohilkhand. It also houses an extensive collection of dioramas of folk dances, folk musical instruments, folk paintings, jewellery, masks, terracotta, pottery, toys, costumes and items made of wood, iron and stone.The proposed expansion will add recreated village scenes and models of prehistoric cave walls, aimed at giving visitors a glimpse into early human life and rural traditions.The expansion plan also includes 25 hanging carpets, an interactive textile thread display, and traditional tribal cottages reflecting indigenous lifestyles.A dedicated workshop area and a stage for folk performances are also being developed to promote live demonstrations and cultural events.The museum will further showcase zardozi artworks and textile crafts from Varanasi, Mirzapur, Agra and Lucknow, along with Gorakhpur’s terracotta sculptures.A children’s activity zone is also being planned to introduce young visitors to folk art and craft through interactive sessions and live demonstrations.Culture and tourism minister Jaiveer Singh said “The initiative would help preserve folk art and craft traditions and ensure wider awareness about the state’s rich folk heritage”.Principal Secretary, Culture and Tourism, Amrit Abhijaat, said “The upgraded facilities are intended to offer visitors a more comfortable and visually engaging experience while preserving the authenticity of traditional displays.”
