Mohammed Hussain
mohammedhussain.reporter@gmail.com
Hyderabad: The director of the museum believes that Salar Jung is the second-highest revenue grossing museum in the country, after only Kolkata’s Victoria Memorial. Each year, Salar Jung attracts over 13 lakh people, which is five lakh less than Victoria Memorial. The fact shows that the museum is facing the problem of excessive footfall.
According to A Nagendar Reddy, Director of Salar Jung Museum, the new galleries are being constructed and the artifacts wing would be shifted from lower to upper floors. Renovating the upper floors to accommodate sections like Islamic Studies. Also, a separate Furniture Side would be made which is five lakh less than Victoria Memorial.
Mr. Reddy further says, “We earn over Rs. 2 crore in revenue from tickets which includes photography, videography tickets, and rents of souvenir shops.
However, Salar Jung is not just a tourist location. It is an educational institution for art and history enthusiasts. So increasing crowd will take away the integrity of the place.”
He further added, “Victoria Memorial’s expanded garden area attracts more people than the museum itself. But all the 13 lakh people who come to Salar Jung, are only visiting the museum.”