In a remarkable legacy of science education and innovation, the Birla Science & Technology Museum in Pilani, Rajasthan, stands tall as India’s first science and technology museum. Established in 1954 by renowned industrialist Ghanshyam Das Birla, the museum is located within the prestigious Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani campus.
Initially conceptualized as a space to foster scientific curiosity among students and the public, the museum has become a pioneer in promoting hands-on learning and technological awareness for generations.
- Spread across 16 thematic galleries, the museum features interactive exhibits on electronics, energy, aerodynamics, metallurgy, textiles, space research, and agriculture.
- It houses working models, detailed scientific diagrams, and live experiments that simplify complex technologies for visitors of all ages.
- The Museum of Science and Technology section continues to attract thousands of school and college students from across India each year.
As India’s first privately-funded science museum, the Birla Museum set the tone for experiential learning well before it became mainstream in national education. It continues to play a critical role in science outreach, supported by BITS faculty and research initiatives.
“Long before STEM was a buzzword, the Birla Museum was showing students what real science looked like,” said a senior professor from BITS Pilani.
