Lucknow, May 20 -- A new Western Sculpture Gallery was inaugurated at the State Museum in Lucknow on Tuesday as part of International Museum Day celebrations by Tourism and Culture minister Jaiveer Singh. The event also saw the launch of the annual Sangrahalaya Puratatva Patrika 2026 and the opening of a month-long textile exhibition, Aadiyogi Shiv: A Journey in Cosmic Indigo, which will remain open till June 19. The exhibition showcases the spiritual symbolism of Lord Shiva through indigo-dyed khadi textiles inspired by Adi Shankaracharya's Ardhanarishwar Stotra. Artist Sangeeta Gupta said the display explores the balance of masculine and feminine energies associated with Shiva while tracing indigo's links with India and Mahatma Gandhi's freedom movement. Director general, Tourism and Culture, Vedpati Mishra said museums in the state are increasingly being developed as spaces for cultural dialogue, youth participation and experiential learning, with efforts focused on improving visitor engagement through technology and creative activities. As part of the celebrations, the State Museum and Folk Art Museum organised inter-school essay and quiz competitions and a university-level canvas painting contest. Winners were awarded certificates and prizes. Culture Directorate officials said more than 85,000 students visited the Lucknow State Museum over the past year, indicating growing interest among young audiences in museums and heritage institutions. Academicians, cultural experts and senior Culture Department officials attended the programme....