Faridabad: On the occasion of World Photography Day, the Hon’ Chief Minister of Haryana, CM Manohar Lal Khattar, has gifted Aditya Arya, Founder of Museo Camera, a Speed-Graphic Graflex. Today also marks 4 years since Museo Camera was opened to the public. In four short years, Museo Camera has become the cultural hub of Gurugram, despite the setback of the COVID-19 pandemic, which started six months after the launch of Museo Camera.
With a footfall of over a few lakh visitors, over a few hundred exhibitions, events, cultural performances showcasing national and international artists and housing, preserving some of the most important national archives, Museo Camera is a pioneer in its field. One of the most critical aspects of Museo Camera’s has been that of conducting educational initiatives for students, with over 200 schools and colleges having already visited. Another special focus of Museo’s, is its expression and platform for the classical arts of India, highlighting and showcasing it to the residents of Gurugram, offering a space for such art to be appreciated and celebrated. It is a cultural hub, welcoming all, while standing as a stalwart of photography, as well as an institution of Indian art, history, politics and culture.
The permanent collection of photographic equipment at Museo Camera has crossed over seven thousand pieces of which nearly three and a half thousand are displayed at Museo, for public viewing. This collection includes some of the most iconic cameras ever made, and used, including the K20’s that were used to document the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bomb droppings of the Second World War. Others include, the Minox Spy Camera, Hasselbald, the Royal Mail Stamp, process cameras and Kodak Brownies. From some of the largest to the smallest, these cameras and related ephemera, trace the history of the art of photography.
On the 28th of May 2023, India’s prime minister, Shri Narender Modi, in his address to the nation, ‘Mann Ki Baat’, dwelled on the importance of museums, mentioning Gurugram’s Museo Camera as a unique and must-visit museum. Mr. Anil K. Rao, IPS Officer, ex-intelligence Chief of Haryana, a frequent visitor of the museum, mentioned Museo Camera as a cultural hub of Gurugram. Museo Camera has also been selected twice as the excursion trip for the G20 Delegates coming to India.
“On the behalf of the India Photo Archive Foundation and Museo Camera, I’m extremely grateful to the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon and the Gov. Of Haryana, and to Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, for supporting this unique public-private partnership in the field of art and culture, and am looking forward to their continued support.”
– Aditya Arya, Founder, Director, Museo Camera
