Mumbai, March 18 : Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said on Tuesday in the Assembly that a grand cultural centre and museum would be built soon in Mumbai.

"Maharashtra has a glorious cultural legacy and it is the duty of the state government to preserve and nurture it. In line with this vision, a state cultural centre and a museum will be set up in the state's capital -- Mumbai. The cultural centre will feature a grand auditorium, dedicated art galleries and a research centre, making it a crucial link for national and international cultural collaborations. It will not only attract domestic and foreign tourists but will also provide a prestigious stage for artists from across the world," Shelar said.

"The State Museum will play a pivotal role in safeguarding Maharashtra's ancient treasures, including artifacts unearthed through archaeological excavations, rare paintings, historical relics, sculptures, inscriptions, ancient manuscripts, traditional textiles, and weaponry. By preserving these invaluable pieces of history, the museum will serve as a bridge connecting future generations to the rich legacy of Maharashtra," he added.

The Minister also said that in order to bring the cultural diversity of Maharashtra under one roof, there is a need for a state-level cultural centre and state museum to be set up in Mumbai.

"To ensure world-class infrastructure for this initiative, a plot of 14,418 square metres is included in the notified area of Bandra-Kurla Complex of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority which will be transferred free of cost from the Revenue department to the Cultural Affairs department for the construction of this iconic State Cultural Centre and State Museum," he added.

/IANS