Long before skyscrapers and smartphones, human innovation began with a stone. From primitive tools to precious fossils, the Earth’s ancient secrets are now on display in an extraordinary public exhibition that promises to excite, educate, and inspire.
The INSTUCEN Trust, in collaboration with Prabodhankar Thackeray Sports Complex, is bringing Mumbai a unique, hands-on experience from May 16 to 18, that combines science, history, geography, and culture — all under one roof. Titled ‘Explore the Wonders of Earth & History’, this multi-disciplinary showcase is not just another museum-style walk-through. It’s a sensory journey through rocks, minerals, fossils, ancient maps, rare coins, archaeological tools, and lost scripts.
“This event is not just about showcasing the past — it’s about sparking future curiosity. We invite parents to drop their kids off for the day. They’ll walk out asking questions, seeking answers, and maybe even falling in love with science,” says Dr. Mugdha Karnik, Managing Trustee, INSTUCEN Trust.
Collector’s treasure trove
One-third of the exhibition is powered by the incredible personal collection of Vikram Rao, a geologist-turned-businessman, who has preserved rare minerals, Shivaji-era weaponry, and vintage maps with Mughal and British-era artistry. His passion sets the tone for the event — where history isn't just shown, it's shared.
Science for all ages
Young visitors will get the chance to meet Dr. Praveen Henriques, a veteran geology professor from St. Xavier’s College, and his team of postgraduate students. Children can even bring their own stone collections to a dedicated table where experts will identify and explain them — a first-of-its-kind feature encouraging early scientific exploration. Children under 10 can attend for free, and a nominal registration fee applies to all other visitors.
Touch, learn, discover
Breaking away from ‘do-not-touch’ museum rules, select rock and fossil specimens will be open to handling — making this a tactile experience for curious young minds. This interactivity is a deliberate effort to spark a lifelong interest in Earth sciences and archaeology.
Fossils to forgotten scripts
The exhibition also features a collection of fossils from Deccan College, Pune, led by expert Dr. Prateek Chakraborty. Expect everything from ancient teeth to full skeletal remains. Adding to the thrill are live demonstrations on early human tool-making by Dr. Namrata Vishwas and script decoding workshops by archaeologists Shailesh Kshirsagar (Cuneiform) and Radha Sao (Brahmi).
Maps and maritime mysteries
Think maps are boring? Think again. Dr. Aparna Phadke and students from Mumbai University’s Geography Department will take visitors through a range of interactive maps — including marine and topographic charts — some even viewed through stereoscopes. For numismatics enthusiasts, expert collectors Chaitanya Bhide and Ravindra Rathod will decode the history behind ancient coins with infectious enthusiasm.
Archaeological insights
The Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra, is also an integral part of this initiative. Under the leadership of Dr. Tejas Garge, recent excavations and campaigns will be showcased — a rare peek into what’s emerging from India’s ancient sites.
For families, educators, history lovers, and the simply curious — this is one summer event you don’t want to miss.
The exhibition is on from May 16 to 18 from 10 am to 7 pm at Prabodhankar Thackeray Sports Complex, Vile Parle East, Mumbai.
