Monojit Lahiri attempts a brief sketch of an exciting, bustling, creative multi-disciplinary space where vision and mission are perfectly matched, thanks to the dynamic mover and shaker who dreamt it up.

When we first moved to Gurgaon last year, we were warned by purists that we were going to a place where agriculture, not culture, ruled! A space which knew the price of everything, but the value of nothing! An artificial, fake, glamorous, unreal region, abounding with chrome glass showpieces, dazzling malls, gated complexes with fancy names, multinational corporations, and cyber hubs where one slaved away, riding on telephone-number salaries with matching perks. Your time, along with your soul, was—Dr. Faustus style—“sold to the devil/highest bidder,” and if one was even remotely creative or engaged with any leaning towards art or culture of any kind, it was a giant step in the WRONG direction! In short, any resemblance to anything non-materialistic, non-sho-shaa was clearly a massive coincidence!

I have to confess, I was rattled until a dear friend who had moved there earlier provided some oxygen. She assured me that this was a totally biased and tunnel-viewed take from people who went on hearsay and perception. If I connected with MUSEO CAMERA, for example, all these zingers would be constantly buried in a shot. As luck would have it, very soon I found myself seated in a small, cozy auditorium of an enchanting place. I was totally fascinated by the ethnic feel, superbly creative environment, imaginative interiors, and decided to meet and have a brief chat with the man behind this glorious place.

Discover Museo Camera: A Cultural Oasis in Gurgaon

Museo Camera in Gurgaon is a unique and vibrant cultural hub that stands as a testament to the power of art and creativity. Founded by visionary photographer Aditya Arya, this centre for photographic arts not only showcases an impressive collection of over 4,000 antique cameras but also offers a wide range of cultural and artistic events. From educational seminars and artist residency programs to engaging chat shows and film screenings, Museo Camera provides a dynamic space for both enthusiasts and professionals to immerse themselves in the rich history and evolving landscape of photography. Conveniently located in the NCR region, Museo Camera is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the arts, culture, and history of photography.

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Visionary, photographer, visual historian, archivist, and founder of India's first centre for photographic arts, Aditya Arya, had a compelling story to tell. “It was my great love, passion, and obsession for photography that actually pulled the trigger for me. I started out as an avid collector of cameras and, over time, collected over 1,500 antique cameras and other allied gadgets dating back to the 1860s from over 100 countries. It was my secret dream that all this should come together under one roof as a museum—a centre for photographic arts right here in India, in NCR. Supporters and enthusiastic friends spread the word around, and soon, a miracle happened...the government of Haryana generously leased me 75 acres of prime property to concretize my dream! Today, 18,000 sq. ft. display over 4,000 cameras. Visitors are taken on a visual journey that traces the outline of the history of photography based on extensive, in-depth research.”

One thing led to another, and grabbing the momentum, the driven Arya soon unleashed an array of facilities and services to make MUSEO audience-friendly. With single-minded focus, he and his dedicated team laid it on the line for the connoisseurs, customers, casual visitors, and the curious fraternity. Three multi-purpose seminar halls, school visits for educational insights, dark rooms and reference libraries, artist residency programs, a resource room for digitizing and archiving, state-of-the-art printing facilities—the works! Although billed as a camera-driven place, Arya smartly expanded the activities and creative menu to introduce events that embrace popular, entertaining, and enriching performing arts like chat shows, talks, screenings of interesting films, book launches followed by Q&A sessions, and discussions with celebrities relating to subjects of social, cultural, or artistic significance.

Now we move on to delicate territory. While Arya’s initiative remains hugely noteworthy, even ground-breaking, going by the [perceived] profile of the Gurgaon junta—profession-obsessed, rich, frivolous, shallow, pub/club hoppers, partying types whom one couldn’t accuse of culture or class from a mile away—was MUSEO likely to be patronized by this lot?

Arya cuts to the chase in a flash. “I do believe that sweeping comments or irresponsible generalizing can be unfair and dangerous. First things first, Gurgaon is acknowledged as one of India's hottest employment magnets, with the brightest of youngsters moving in from everywhere for progress and prosperity. Huge salaries and perks don't come free. The kids have to pay a price by slogging and delivering the goods in a frenzied, competitive space. Free time is limited, and whenever that happens, taking the family out for a meal, shopping, and movies top the list. That's only natural. However, we have noticed that over time, a fair number of young corporate types have also patronized our events along with the regular loyalists. I guess the corporate kids were looking for a convenient place that would provide them comfort levels in terms of both logistics and cultural touch points. These are early times, but MUSEO seems to be the place for them…and this group is growing at a good pace.

Fortune favours the brave, dynamic, and progressive, right? As this goes into print, the government of Haryana has extended the lease by 15 years and offered more space to extend and expand their activities.

Godspeed is all we can say...