On 4th October 2024, a distinguished GTTCI delegation, comprising ambassadors, diplomats, and prominent Indian leaders, visited the Wonders of White Town (WOW) — a remarkable live art museum in Pondicherry, crafted by renowned artist and museum maker, AP Shreethar, who is also a board member of GTTCI. This visit was part of the delegation’s itinerary in Puducherry for the 3rd National Floor Curling Championship.
Wonders of White Town (WOW) — A World of Creativity and Culture
Situated in the elegant Villa Kouga on Rue Sufferen Street, in the heart of White Town, Pondicherry, the Wonders of White Town Museum stands as an innovative cultural landmark. Celebrated as the world’s first silicon-based live art museum, it distinguishes itself from traditional wax museums. The museum was officially opened to the public in January 2024 by the Chief Minister of Puducherry, N. Rangaswamy.
The museum is divided into three distinct sections:
- The Teddy Museum
- The Live Art Museum
- The Fish Museum
A Warm Welcome by Teddy Bears at The Teddy Museum
Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted by a Statue of Liberty, setting the tone for an immersive experience. The first section, the Teddy Museum, features an enchanting collection of stuffed toys dressed in traditional attire from around the world.
The history of the Teddy Bear dates back to 1902 when it was named in honor of American President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt. Inspired by this legacy, AP Shreethar transformed the humble teddy bear into a symbol of traditional global fashion. The Teddy Museum showcases garments from 192 countries and 32 states of India, with teddy bears adorned in everything from luxurious Indian sarees to exquisite Japanese kimonos.
A Distinguished Delegation Exploring the Wonders
The GTTCI delegation was led by Dr. Rashmi Saluja, Chairperson of GTTCI, and included Dr. Gaurav Gupta, Founder President of GTTCI, Mr. Rakesh Asthana, Chief Advisor of GTTCI, Dr. Ajay Swaroop, Chairman of Ganga Ram Hospitals, and Dr. Ashwani Mehta from Kolmet Ganga Ram Hospital. They were accompanied by international diplomats, including H.E. Mr. Firat Sunel, Ambassador of Turkiye; H.E. Mr. Arunkoemar Hardien, Ambassador of Suriname; H.E. Mr. Haymandoyal Dillum, High Commissioner of Mauritius; Mr. Alexander Zhytnikov, First Secretary of the Embassy of Belarus; H.E. Mr. Ganbold Dambajav, Ambassador of Mongolia; H.E. Adv. Lebohang V Mochaba, High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Lesotho; Mr. K.L. Ganju, Consul General of the Union of Comoros; H.E. Ms. Kshenuka Dhireini Seneviratne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka; H.E. Mr. Jagnnath Sami, High Commissioner of Fiji; and Ms. Boineelo Thikiso Morejele, First Secretary of the Kingdom of Lesotho.
This esteemed group engaged with Pondicherry’s cultural heritage and appreciated the innovative art presented by AP Shreethar. Their visit was a celebration of diversity, creativity, and artistic expression, perfectly aligned with the spirit of international cooperation fostered by GTTCI.
An Artistic Vision by AP Shreethar
The mastermind behind the Wonders of White Town, AP Shreethar, is renowned not only for his paintings but also for his talent as a museum creator. His commitment to blending tradition with innovation has made the museum a unique destination, attracting visitors from around the globe.
The museum stands as a testament to Shreethar’s vision of celebrating global culture through art, making it an ideal experience for international delegates visiting India. The visit to the Wonders of White Town Museum left a lasting impression, showcasing the incredible blend of traditional and contemporary art that defines Shreethar’s work. It serves as a beautiful representation of how art transcends boundaries and fosters connections between diverse cultures.
