Free Entry to All ASI Monuments and Museums on May 18 to Mark International Museum Day

New Delhi: In a significant move to boost public engagement with India’s cultural heritage, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has announced free entry to all its monuments and museums across the country on May 18, 2025, to mark International Museum Day.

The initiative aims to promote awareness about the vital role that museums play in preserving history, fostering education, and encouraging dialogue across generations and communities. Visitors will have complimentary access to all ticketed monuments and 52 site museums maintained by the ASI, which include some of the most iconic archaeological sites in India.

“The goal is to provide people of all ages an opportunity to reconnect with India’s rich cultural and historical legacy,” said an official from ASI. The organization hopes the move will inspire greater appreciation for India’s diverse heritage and draw more visitors to its nationally protected sites.

The ASI’s dedicated Museum Wing oversees the management and upkeep of 52 site museums, starting with the Sarnath Museum (established in 1910)—the first of its kind. These museums are strategically located at excavation sites, allowing artefacts to be preserved and displayed in their original context. This facilitates better academic research and enhances the educational experience for visitors.

From prehistoric tools and ancient sculptures to medieval inscriptions and religious relics, ASI’s museums offer a comprehensive view into India’s civilizational history.

In a bid to modernize and enhance visitor experience, ASI has recently inaugurated India’s first underground museum at Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, a Virtual Experiential Museum at Man Mahal Observatory, Varanasi, and an upgraded museum at the archaeological site of Lalitagiri in Odisha have also been unveiled.

To make site visits more interactive and inclusive, the ASI is incorporating Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies, ensuring that modern interventions complement historical narratives.

With 3,698 protected monuments and sites and 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites under its care, the ASI continues to play a pivotal role in conserving India’s vast architectural and cultural wealth.

International Museum Day, observed annually on May 18, serves as a global reminder of the importance of museums in cultural preservation. This year’s gesture by ASI is expected to draw significant footfall and renewed interest in India’s heritage spaces.