Celebrated artist and founder of the Museum of Goa, Subodh Kerkar, is high on his next project, world’s largest beer museum. We get an exclusive sneak peek into this exciting new space for beer and art geeks
Kerkar at the under construction beer museum at Parra. Pics/Ashlesha Athavale
MID-DAY: Why a museum of beer after the Museum of Goa?
Subodh Kerkar: I saw a few beer museums abroad and wondered why there weren’t any here in India. Just imagine, 140 billion litres of beer is produced every year globally. India also produces beer. I am always thinking of museums; even now I have an idea for a museum themed on the Indian Ocean. I gradually felt I could combine contemporary art with a beer museum and start one myself. I feel art is not elitist. It is not only for the affluent; it is for everyone. So those who walk in for the beer will also get to see art. There will also be works by other artists besides mine.
Subodh Kerkar in his office at Museum of Goa. The work under which he is sitting will be displayed at the beer museum
MD: What will the visitor find at the beer museum?
SK: Spread across 6,000 sq mts at Parra in Goa, it will be the world’s largest, and India’s first beer museum. I have been working on it for the past few years and I plan to open it by August. It will showcase the history of beer, but not in the ‘traditional museum way’. I think differently when I design a museum. There is no need for a display of artefacts or objects related to beer or those that are used in its making. I might put up very few such objects for display, but I will showcase the history and story of beer differently. I might even have a beer belly installation!
Did you know it’s the most drunk liquid after water? The first beer brewery in India, in Kasauli, Lion Beer, was owned by Edward Dyer. He was the father of Colonel Reginald Dyer who was responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. There will be a short documentary shown screened at the museum that will include such interesting facts and anecdotes about beer. We have even created a god and goddess of beer! There will be 12 kiosks where beer of different brands will be sold. There will be seven restaurants at the complex and a stage for concerts. We might even hold events like the Oktoberfest here. While the concept and content at the Beer Museum are mine, I am collaborating with Marquis Hotels, which will run it.
MD: The concept is more like a cultural hub than a museum...
SK: Yes, but all to get people to see art. At the Museum of Goa we have told the story of India through contemporary art. Here, the art will have no particular theme. The beer part of the museum will attract tourists, but locals and aficionados who are also serious about art will come for it. Every visitor will be treated to a unique experience, one for his palate and one for his mind.
Log on to: www.subodhkerkar.com
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
