2016-08-10 Wed

Museums are a store house of history and culture of a nation. The entire journey of a nation is displayed under one roof. They are not only responsible for exhibiting these evidences of history but also for their preservation and conservation. They are established to provide a service to public and to safeguard the national heritage for future generations.

Undoubtedly, museums are a place where experiences of all kinds take place. The rich and unique artefacts are exhibited for the general public to see and admire. A place which provides meaning and fascinating back stories for all those historical artefacts.

And two of such amazing museums which house few of the world’s most wonderful collections were established today, on 10th August!

One of the most famous and the most visited museum of the world, Le Louvre was established on 10th August 1793! Situated at Paris, the museum houses some of the most celebrated art works in history. The museum opened on 10 August 1793 with an exhibition of 537 paintings and today contains more than 380,000 objects. It is the worlds largest and the second most visited museum.

Yet another treasure house, the Smithsonian Institute, was established on 10th August 1846. This Institution was established "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge,” It is a group of museums governed by the Government of the United States. The Smithsonian museum consists of 19 museums and galleries, as well as the National Zoological Park with a collection of over 138 million artworks, artefacts, and specimens!

Both of these treasure troves are commemorated on stamps and coins! A 1989 se-tenant strip of five stamps with the denomination of 2.20 francs each feature a panorama of Paris. One of the five stamps depicts the Louvre on it. France issued a 2.80 francs stamp in 1993 also to celebrate the bicentennial of the Louvre. Further a 1000 francs gold proof coin was also realised in the same year.

A stamp of denomination 3 cents was issued in 1946 which depicts the Smithsonian Museum on it. Further the Smithsonian Institute on its 150th anniversary was commemorated on 1996 $5 Gold Coin.

Truly, a museum is a place where the past is brought to life!