Sabyasachi Mukherjee, director general of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) in Mumbai, India, has completely transformed the museum over the past 16 years. Mukherjee is considered one of the most progressive museum directors in India, Asia, Europe and the US. CSMVS is now a highly progressive, collaborative and important institution. It is known for its international partnerships, visitor experience and conservation. In 2022, CSMVS celebrated its 100th anniversary.
“In these 100 years, [CSMVS] has fulfilled its aim to create awareness and sensitivity towards our heritage through its acquisitions, collection research [and] a visitor-friendly experience for the purposes of education, study and enjoyment,” said Mukherjee.
“Particularly, in the last decade, the museum has been transformed into a world-class visitor space. Today, it is one of the most sought-after institutions known for best museum practice, international collaborations and trend-setting projects. It welcomes over a million visitors every year who experience a sense of joy, pride and understanding of human achievement when they stroll through our galleries and our beautiful heritage garden.”
Under his leadership, CSMVS has undergone extensive modernisation, including a refurbishment of the main building and the establishment of a conservation centre. The institution has also added a new children’s museum, institutional archive, new galleries and educational initiatives. In 2010, in recognition of his initiatives, UNESCO awarded the museum the 2010 Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
Mukherjee has organised myriad art exhibitions and international shows. He has also overseen publications, conservation projects, exchange programmes and archive projects in collaboration with museums across the globe. In addition, he is a member of the Bizot Group, a group of American and European museum directors.
Mukherjee was recently awarded an honorary degree by the University of Edinburgh for transforming CSMVS into a cultural catalyst in Mumbai. He is a frequent lecturer and serves as the director of the postgraduate programme in Museology and Art Conservation at CSMVS Institute, University of Mumbai.