Museum Experts from India and Abroad Gather at City Palace Museum for ICOM India Annual Conference 2026

Udaipur: The two-day Annual Conference 2026 of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) India commenced on Friday at the City Palace Museum, Udaipur. The national and. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Chairman and Managing Trustee of the Maharana Mewar Charitable Foundation, warmly welcomed museum professionals, researchers, cur international conference, themed "Museums and Communities in Changing Times," is being organized in collaboration with the Maharana Mewar Charitable Foundation.

Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Chairman and Managing Trustee of the Maharana Mewar Charitable Foundation, warmly welcomed museum professionals, researchers, curators, conservation experts, and delegates from India and abroad, expressing his gratitude for their participation in the conference.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar emphasized that museums are not merely repositories for preserving heritage but also powerful platforms that connect society, culture, and communities. He noted that, in today's rapidly changing world, national and international forums such as this are essential for promoting heritage conservation, cultural dialogue, and public engagement. He reaffirmed the Foundation's commitment to supporting meaningful initiatives related to cultural heritage, museums, and knowledge exchange.

The conference was inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp at Khush Mahal. The inaugural session was led by H.E. Nasir Al Darmaki, Vice President of ICOM, and Dr. Mayank Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of the Maharana Mewar Charitable Foundation. Mr. Antonio Rodríguez, President of ICOM, delivered a special message highlighting the organization's global initiatives and activities.

Prof. Ambika Patel, President of ICOM India, and Dr. Mayank Gupta welcomed the delegates and released the Conference Abstract Book. The vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Abdurrahim K., Vice President of ICOM India.

The inaugural day also featured a keynote address by H.E. Nasir Al Darmaki on "Whose Voice? Redefining Co-curation, Living Heritage and Partnerships in Museums." The programme included an expert panel discussion on the conference theme, presentations by the curatorial and conservation teams of the City Palace Museum, parallel research paper sessions, poster presentations, and extensive deliberations on the evolving relationship between museums and communities. Scholars and museum professionals from across the country shared their research findings, experiences, and best practices throughout the day.