Authors : Hemlet Guria; Ganesh Ram

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun1023

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Abstract : This study analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the visitor attendance of the Digha Science Centre, India, comparing pre-pandemic (2017-2019) and post-pandemic (2022-2024) data. The research documents a period of severe operational disruption due to mandated closures and social distancing, leading to a significant financial and educational outreach crisis. However, a robust recovery trajectory is evident, with post-pandemic annual attendance nearly matching pre-COVID levels and recent years setting new visitor records. The findings highlight the centre's resilience and the strong public demand for informal, interactive science education. The successful recovery underscores the importance of adaptive strategies and reaffirms the vital role of science museums as key public engagement institutions.

Keywords : Science Museums, COVID-19 Impact, Visitor Attendance, Resilience, Digha Science Centre.

References :

1. Falk, J. H., & Dierking, L. D. (2018). Learning   from museums (2nd ed.). Rowman & Littlefield.
2. National Research Council. (2009). Learning science in informal environments: People, places, and pursuits. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/12190
3. Rennie, L. J., & McClafferty, T. P. (1996). Science centres and science learning. Studies in Science Education, 27(1), 53-98. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057269608560079
4. NEMO. (2020). *Survey on the impact of the COVID-19 situation on museums in Europe*. Network of European Museum Organisations. https://www.ne-mo.org/fileadmin/Dateien/public/NEMO_documents/NEMO_COVID19_Report_12.05.2020.pdf
5. Kumar, A. (2015). Science communication and public perception: The role of science museums in India. Journal of Scientific Temper, 3(1&2), 25-41.
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7. Source: Digha Science Centre Visitor Records(2017-2024)