'Fun Science Gallery' gets makeover at Visvesvaraya tech museum’s 60th year

Bengaluru: The Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum (VITM) marked its diamond jubilee on Sunday with the launch of a revamped 'Fun Science Gallery'.

The gallery features 40 interactive exhibits, including digital displays and hands-on setups on topics such as optical illusions and fluid dynamics (how liquids and gases move). 

Prof Govindan Rangarajan, Director of the Indian Institute of Science, who inaugurated the gallery, stressed the value of tactile, interactive learning.

"Such a museum is critical these days, as young people are immersed in their phones and lack tactile stimulation," he said. He suggested VITM adopt more digital tools — virtual reality, online competitions, and a daily science puzzle app — to make learning more engaging.

The gallery is designed to complement formal science education and promote experiential learning.

VITM Director Sajoo Bhaskaran said the museum was committed to making science accessible to all. It is the second most visited science museum in India, attracting 10 lakh visitors annually.

Ingit Kumar Mukherjee, former Director-General of the National Council of Science Museums, praised the museum’s informal approach. "The new gallery lets you discover science by trying different things, even if you make mistakes, until you find the answer," he said.

B Venkatraman, chairman of VITM’s executive committee, highlighted exhibits such as thermal imaging and infrared sensors that make leaves light up.

The gallery features 40 interactive exhibits including digital displays and hands-on setups on topics such as optical illusions.