“This museum bridges the gap between science and public understanding, making meteorology visually immersive and accessible to all.” — Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology
On February 18, 2025, India inaugurated its first Open-Air Art Wall Museum at Mausam Bhawan, New Delhi. This landmark initiative marks 150 years of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and represents a unique fusion of meteorology and artistic expression.
Inaugurated by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, the museum features 38 murals creatively illustrating IMD’s contributions to weather forecasting, climate science, and disaster management. Developed in collaboration with Delhi Street Art, the project aims to educate and inspire visitors about India’s rich meteorological history and future innovations.
📜 IMD’s 150-Year Journey: Evolution of Weather Forecasting
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) was founded in 1875, making it one of the oldest meteorological services in the world. Over 150 years, IMD has played a critical role in weather forecasting for agriculture, aviation, and disaster preparedness, monitoring cyclones, monsoons, and climate patterns, and enhancing early warning systems for extreme weather events.
IMD has evolved from manual observations to AI-powered weather models, contributing significantly to India’s climate resilience and disaster management strategies. Today, it operates one of the most extensive weather monitoring networks in Asia.
Think of IMD as India’s “weather guardian” for 150 years. From manually reading thermometers and barometers in 1875 to using AI and satellites today, IMD has evolved to predict monsoons, warn about cyclones, and help farmers plan their crops. The Art Museum celebrates this journey through visual storytelling.
🏛️ The Open-Air Art Museum: Science Meets Creativity
The Open-Air Art Wall Museum at Mausam Bhawan is designed to visually represent IMD’s contributions to meteorology, bridge the gap between science and the public, and showcase weather forecasting advancements through street art murals.
Using the exterior walls of IMD’s headquarters, this artistic initiative transforms a scientific institution into an open-access learning space for citizens and visitors. It is India’s first museum of its kind, combining meteorological science with public art.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Mausam Bhawan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi (IMD Headquarters) |
| Type | Open-Air Art Wall Museum (first in India) |
| Number of Murals | 38 murals on exterior walls |
| Themes | Weather forecasting, climate science, disaster management, cultural heritage |
| Access | Open to public — free viewing from outside |
Key Numbers: 150 years of IMD | 38 murals | Founded 1875 | Inaugurated Feb 18, 2025 | Location: Mausam Bhawan, New Delhi
🎨 The 38 Murals: Visual Stories of Meteorology
Each of the 38 murals tells a story of IMD’s scientific evolution, blending scientific accuracy with artistic creativity. The murals cover themes ranging from historic weather events to cultural connections between weather and Indian literature.
| Mural Theme | What It Depicts |
|---|---|
| Historic Weather Events | Major climate events that shaped India’s weather forecasting system |
| Evolution of Forecasting | From traditional methods to AI-powered satellite predictions |
| Extreme Weather Management | IMD’s role in handling cyclones, floods, and heatwaves |
| Climate Science Heritage | References to Kalidasa’s “Meghaduta” and Tansen’s seasonal music |
| Monsoon Predictions | India’s critical monsoon forecasting and its impact on agriculture |
| Satellite Technology | INSAT series and modern weather monitoring systems |
The murals include references to Kalidasa’s “Meghaduta” (Cloud Messenger) — a 4th-century Sanskrit poem about monsoon clouds carrying messages. This shows that Indians have observed and celebrated weather patterns for millennia. How does ancient wisdom connect with modern meteorology?
🖌️ Delhi Street Art: Transforming Mausam Bhawan
The museum project was brought to life by Delhi Street Art, a collective known for revitalizing urban spaces through powerful visual storytelling. Led by the late Yogesh Saini, the team crafted murals that make meteorology visually immersive and interactive.
Delhi Street Art has previously transformed numerous public spaces across Delhi, using art to communicate social messages and celebrate cultural heritage. This collaboration with IMD represents a unique fusion of science communication and urban art.
Don’t confuse: The museum is at Mausam Bhawan (IMD headquarters, Lodhi Road, New Delhi), NOT at any other museum like National Museum or Science Museum. Also, it’s an Open-Air Art Wall Museum — the murals are on exterior walls, not inside a building. And IMD was founded in 1875, not 1857 or 1947.
🔮 Future of Meteorology in India
While the museum celebrates IMD’s past and present, it also highlights India’s future vision for meteorology. With climate change posing new challenges, IMD is committed to strengthening India’s meteorological services to safeguard communities and the environment.
| Future Initiative | Purpose |
|---|---|
| AI & Machine Learning | Ultra-accurate climate predictions using advanced algorithms |
| Advanced Satellite Systems | Enhanced global weather monitoring (INSAT-3D, INSAT-3DR) |
| Strengthened Early Warning Systems | Faster alerts for cyclones, heatwaves, and floods |
| Public Awareness Campaigns | Encouraging climate action and sustainability |
| Agromet Advisory Services | Better weather guidance for farmers |
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India’s first Open-Air Art Wall Museum is located at Mausam Bhawan, New Delhi — the headquarters of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The India Meteorological Department was founded in 1875, making the 2025 celebration its 150th anniversary.
The Open-Air Art Museum features 38 murals on the exterior walls of Mausam Bhawan.
Delhi Street Art, a collective known for revitalizing urban spaces through visual storytelling, created the murals. The project was led by the late Yogesh Saini.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, inaugurated the museum on February 18, 2025.
