Photo: V.V. Krishnan

CLOSER LOOK: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam examines a coffee maker at the Kitchen Museum of Rashtrapati Bhavanon Tuesday.

NEW DELHI: The Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday threw open to the public its first ever Kitchen Museum, showcasing artefacts items used to cook, serve and dine on — and even kitchenware for out-door picnics. Spanning 70 years, including the pre- and post-Independence periods, the exhibits include "The Star of India" crockery, silver cutlery, kitchenware, crystal glassware, cutlery sets in different materials, silver dishes, coffee makers, fruit stands and picnic boxes. The items have been selected from kitchenware no longer in use.

While the concept for the museum originated from a suggestion made by the President, experts from the School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi, helped with their technical inputs. The museum is located right below the dome of the Rashtrapati Bhavan and is designed to harmonise with the character of the rest of the building.

The most significant "piece" in this collection - that has been lying in the stores of the building since 1933 - is a set of crockery displayed with the dining table and chairs designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Appreciating the display at the museum, President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who inaugurated the exhibition, noted that there was a need to date the collection.

"We have to date the collection highlighting facts about who used these items and when; it would be interesting information for the public. Addition to the existing collection will be made, space permitting. The items have been carefully selected as representative sets from a variety of artefacts available.'' an official said. The display units at the museum have been designed in low height to facilitate viewing by children and wheel-chair users.

Braille translations and specific design details make the Kitchen Museum accessible for the visually impaired. There is also a special provision for physically challenged persons visiting the museum.

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