Functioning of Museums as ‘Peoples University: Assessment for Bangladesh National Museum

Museums are institutions that collect, preserve, and display objects of cultural, historical, artistic, or scientific significance. The main objective of the study was to assess whether the museum provide education to the public through its exhibits, serve as reflective mirrors of society, functioning as ‘people’s university’ and centers for education and research. As a hybrid museum, Bangladesh National Museum has four curatorial departments focused on preserving and representing Bangladesh’s history, culture, and heritage. Furthermore, the museum also actively undertakes educational initiatives through the Department of Public Education, thereby acting as a hub of knowledge. As an educational institution, the museum actively supports scholarly investigations and research endeavors, provides support for stimulating educational programs, fostering learning opportunities for visitors. The school programme of Bangladesh National Museum serves as a vital catalyst in the spread of education. To reach out to rural areas, Bangladesh National Museum arranges the Mobile Exhibition Service, showcasing selected objects and documentary films through a specially equipped bus. Visitors have praised the mobile exhibition for its educational and informative nature. The comments indicate that the visitors share the sentiment that this museum has played a crucial role in spreading education, befitting the museum’s epithet ‘University of the People’.