BENGALURU: An immersive neuroscience museum aimed at explaining the human brain and mind is being developed in Bengaluru by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in collaboration with experiential technology firm Tagbin, with an estimated cost of ₹35 crore. The project, titled “Museum of Brain and Mind,” is expected to open in the coming months and is designed to improve public understanding of brain science and promote mental health awareness, addressing a critical gap in scientific literacy and stigma around mental illness.
Officials associated with the project said the museum will provide a technology-driven, interactive environment where visitors can explore how the brain functions and how it shapes behaviour, emotions, and decision-making. Built around the theme “Know why you are the way you are,” the facility aims to connect biological processes with everyday human experiences, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a wider audience.
The museum will feature more than 50 interactive installations, incorporating sensor-based interfaces, immersive simulations, digital storytelling, gaming elements, and visual art. Unlike conventional museums, it is being designed as a continuous experiential journey, allowing visitors to move through interconnected sections that explain different aspects of neuroscience in a structured format.
According to developers, the exhibits will cover a wide range of topics, including brain anatomy, memory, cognition, emotional processing, and human evolution, as well as neurological and psychiatric disorders and their treatments. Dedicated sections will focus on brain development across different life stages, from prenatal growth to ageing, along with therapeutic approaches such as music and colour therapy. The aim is to present scientific knowledge in a simplified yet accurate manner, drawing from clinical research and real-world applications.
A key objective of the initiative is to increase awareness of mental health and reduce stigma associated with mental illness. Organisers said the immersive format will help visitors better understand symptoms, causes, and treatment approaches, while also encouraging early recognition and informed discussions. Mental health professionals have highlighted that despite growing attention, public understanding of mental health conditions remains limited, making such outreach initiatives necessary.
The facility will also house what is described as India’s largest collection of preserved human brains, adding a significant educational and research component. This builds on the existing work of NIMHANS, which is recognised as an Institute of National Importance and a leading centre for mental health and neuroscience research in India.
The choice of Bengaluru reflects the city’s position as a major hub for research, education, and technology innovation. With a strong ecosystem of academic institutions and science outreach initiatives, officials believe the museum will complement existing resources and strengthen public engagement with scientific disciplines.
The project is part of a broader effort to integrate science communication with public engagement in India. By using immersive and interactive technologies, the initiative aims to move beyond traditional methods of teaching and create a more engaging learning environment. Officials said similar approaches internationally have helped improve scientific literacy and encourage interest in research and healthcare careers.
Tagbin, which is executing the project, has previously developed large-scale experiential installations across the country. The company stated that its approach focuses on translating complex information into engaging, user-friendly experiences that can be understood by diverse audiences, including students and non-specialists.
Experts believe the museum could have a long-term impact on education, public health awareness, and policy discussions. By improving understanding of how the brain functions and how mental health conditions develop, the initiative may contribute to more informed decision-making in areas such as education systems, workplace well-being, and healthcare access.
Officials confirmed that planning and development are currently underway, with further details on the exact opening timeline and visitor access expected to be announced in the coming months. Once operational, the museum is expected to become a key public resource for neuroscience education and mental health awareness in India, and may serve as a model for similar initiatives in other parts of the country.
