Kolkata: The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) has been honored with the prestigious CIMUSET Award for its cutting-edge climate change gallery, “On The Edge?”, housed at Science City, Kolkata. The award, announced on November 15, 2025, during the 27th ICOM General Conference in Dubai, recognizes the gallery’s exceptional approach to promoting climate literacy and inspiring collective action.
“On The Edge?”, a permanent gallery developed by Science City, a unit under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, embodies the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (“the world is one family”) and aligns with global sustainability goals.
The gallery utilizes an impressive 10,000 square feet of space to present the urgent realities of climate change through scientific rigor and community engagement. It integrates immersive exhibits, AR/VR experiences, and an interactive LED wall to convey climate impacts, underlying causes, and actionable solutions.
A Model for Social Change
Jacob Thorek Jensen, Chair of the CIMUSET Award Committee, lauded the project for its socially relevant impact. “‘On The Edge?’ shows how science museums can act as agents of change, inspiring people to imagine and shape more sustainable futures,” Jensen stated, adding that the project addresses the urgency of climate change through “an impressive combination of scientific rigour, community engagement, and genuine inclusivity.”
A. D. Choudhury, Director General of NCSM, expressed pride in the achievement, reinforcing the council’s commitment to creating museums that inspire awareness and action. “Through interactive exhibits and evidence-based storytelling, this gallery helps visitors understand the human-induced causes and severe impacts of climate change, and the urgent need for mitigation and adaptation,” he said.
Anurag Kumar, DDG, NCSM, and former Director of Science City, Kolkata, noted that the award is a “reaffirmation of our commitment to creating meaningful, research-driven, and engaging experiences that bring the urgency of climate action to the forefront.”
Impact and Engagement
Inaugurated earlier this year on January 11, 2025, by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, the gallery has already welcomed more than one million visitors.
Pramod Grover, Director of Science City, highlighted the gallery’s success in making complex climate science accessible and engaging, particularly for young people. “We hope that this recognition will inspire even stronger public engagement with issues of sustainability and environmental stewardship,” he said.
Subha Sankar Ghosh, Curator at Science City, emphasized the gallery’s role as an institution of trust, noting that regular outreach activities with student groups have been instrumental in promoting climate literacy within the community.
The CIMUSET Award honors outstanding science and technology museums and centers that drive positive social change, align with the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and foster community engagement and lifelong learning.
