Lucknow: Lucknow marked a major milestone in its cultural and urban development with the inauguration of the ‘Museum of Heritage and Art’, a landmark project aimed at showcasing the rich legacy of Awadh. The projects were inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the Gomti Nagar Jan Kalyan Mahasamiti annual event held in Vivek Khand.
Along with the museum, projects worth ₹58.27 crore developed by the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) were dedicated to the public.
A Cultural Landmark in Hussainabad
Located in the historic Hussainabad area of Lucknow, the Museum of Heritage and Art has been constructed over an area of 4,973 square metres at a cost of ₹41.43 crore. The museum is designed as a modern architectural marvel, featuring a 45-metre-long cantilever structure built without columns or pillars—making it one of the state’s first iconic buildings of its kind.
LDA Vice-Chairman Prathamesh Kumar said the museum blends advanced design with cultural storytelling, offering visitors an immersive experience of Awadhi heritage.
Galleries Showcasing Awadh’s Soul
The museum presents the historical, literary, and cultural heritage of Awadh using modern technology. It houses a range of thematic galleries including Mool Dhara, Hunar Ka Safar, Hastshilp, Saanjhi Aastha, Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, Karigari, Mehfil-e-Awadh, Nritya Kala, Natyashala, Soch evam Samvad, and Zaika-e-Awadh.
These galleries aim to bring alive the composite culture of the region, while a dedicated VR gaming arena offers visitors an interactive way to engage with history.
Boost to Tourism and Local Economy
Officials said the museum is expected to significantly boost tourism in Lucknow by preserving and promoting its artistic and cultural traditions. It will also support local artisans and handicrafts, contributing to the regional economy.
The museum will remain open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Entry fees have been fixed at ₹50 for children and ₹100 for adults.
Community Infrastructure Strengthened
In addition to the museum, three new community centres—named Lakshman Mandapam—were inaugurated in Gomti Nagar, Ganeshganj, and Aishbagh. Developed with modern amenities including halls, libraries, yoga centres, clinics, and physiotherapy units, these facilities aim to enhance community engagement and public services.
‘Dev Van’ and E-Library Opened
A unique ‘Dev Van–Nakshatra Vatika’ has been developed in Vineet Khand, Gomti Nagar, over nearly eight acres at a cost of ₹3.82 crore. The park features plants representing the 12 zodiac signs, along with walking paths, yoga huts, and seating arrangements for visitors.
An e-library constructed in the same locality at a cost of ₹68.26 lakh was also inaugurated, providing digital learning resources to residents.
The inauguration of these projects underscores the government’s focus on urban development, cultural preservation, and community welfare, positioning Lucknow as a growing hub of heritage tourism and modern infrastructure.
