Mahatma Phule Museum — Attraction in Pune

A Diverse Showcase of History and Culture

The Mahatma Phule Museum in Pune is a treasure trove of diverse exhibits that cater to various interests, from history and geography to animals, machines, historical weapons, wooden crafts, stones, and more. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

History and Geography: The museum provides a fascinating glimpse into Pune's history and its geographical significance. The historical artifacts and maps on display help visitors connect with the city's past and its evolution over the years.

Animals: The inclusion of animal exhibits adds a unique dimension to the museum. The taxidermy specimens and displays of local fauna offer insights into the region's wildlife and biodiversity.

Machines: The collection of machines and mechanical devices showcases technological advancements over time. It's a great opportunity to see how machinery has evolved and played a role in shaping our world.

Historical Weapons: For history enthusiasts, the section dedicated to historical weapons is a highlight. The assortment of swords, armor, and weaponry from various periods provides a captivating window into the art of warfare.

Wooden Crafts and Stones: The museum's dedication to preserving and showcasing traditional crafts and stone artifacts is commendable. It offers a deeper understanding of local craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

While the Mahatma Phule Museum excels in its variety of exhibits, it could benefit from more interactive displays and detailed explanations to enhance the visitor experience. Additionally, some sections may require better maintenance to preserve the artifacts' integrity.

Overall, this museum is a valuable resource for those eager to explore Pune's multifaceted history and culture. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply curious about the past, there's something here to pique your interest. Be sure to check for any updates or special exhibitions to make the most of your visit.

There is a scope of improvement in terms of...

The museum contains sections that contain some pictures, charts, models and machines and science models. The displays are related to industry and engineering, geology and minerals, handicrafts and cottage industries, agriculture, forestry, natural history and armoury. The armoury has weapons of the Mughal and Maratha period. There are charts that detail various forts in Pune district. The natural history section has a taxidermy collection of various species of animals, birds, insects, snakes and fishes. The industrial section has models of Indian hydro-electric and irrigation projects and oil refining methods that explain scientific agriculture. The museum has housed a library since its inception. It contains books that cover a variety of subjects, especially those on ancient technologies and museology. A TOI news story quotes the present administrator of the museum Rajeev Vilekar thus: "Gharpure was curator at the museum from 1930-1954. His contributions to the museum have been immense... one of the halls here has his name in his honour". A Toledo Blade news story reports the visit to Toledo in March 1948, of B.V. Gharpure, curator of what it calls "Lord Reay Maharashtra Industrial Museum, Bombay". The story quotes Gharpure stating that the purpose of the museum is "teaching an unschooled population in modern methods of agriculture, engineering and science". It reports that the Gharpure was on a year-long international tour that would also take him to Russia...

I have visited this place as a student in 1994, and it was well maintained and a well kept place. Now when I visited it again today in 2018, it feels as if a back closet of Mayor of Pune. He has used cupboards here to discard and display mementos which are of no significant historic or museum value.

The way maintenance is being done is deteriorating the value of exhibits placed here. E.g. the Elephant skull is placed really pathetically. And the exhibit cupboards when painted, the items were not removed and have gotten paint stains. Very unprofessional.

No professional curator is posted and neither being consulted for upkeep of the exhibits which is eminent the way standards have gone down.

The way employees of the museum speak or treat the visitors is really shocking and unimaginable, as there is basic lack of courtesy and false sense of unassigned authority by them.

Most exhibits are donated by eminent personalities of pre-independence era, and are really ill treated. Paintings and posters do have historic and monetary value which needs to be understood. So it is highly recommended that someone might take it up in good sense and either post someone with credible knowledge of history and historical items or teach the poorly qualified staff about it.

Shockingly saddened by the poor state of...