To improve awareness about mental health and neurosciences as well as decode functioning of the brain, NIMHANS is working on setting up a brain and mind museum in its platinum jubilee year. The existing Heritage Museum and the proposed ‘Human Brain Museum’ will be integrated into a new facility in Bengaluru, making it “the first, largest and most innovative ‘Museum of the Brain and Mind in the world”.
The museum proposes to aggregate advances in information and communication technology, graphics and animation, incorporate virtual reality, and professional expertise in various fields of mental health and neuroscience. The idea is to provide an experiential and interactive experience for visitors with comprehensive, authentic information on the functioning of the brain and the mind, in health and disease.
NIMHANS Director Pratima Murthy told The Hindu, “There are plans to have a holographic zone, and an incubation centre for scientists to discuss and experiment with innovative ideas, particularly for start-ups, idea validation, mentorship and guidance, networking, funding assistance, research and marketing. We are also working on making the museum available online. Another idea being explored is of a travelling exhibition.”
