RRI.CO.ID, Mataram - The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) State Museum is set to redefine the historical tourism experience by introducing a Night at the Museum concept, aimed at shedding the formal image of traditional exhibits and attracting a younger demographic.

The initiative seeks to transform the museum from a static storage site for artifacts into a vibrant, dynamic public space that resonates with modern urban lifestyles.

Head of the NTB Museum, Ahmad Nuralam, said that the program is designed to offer a more relaxed atmosphere compared to traditional daytime visits. To prepare for the launch, the facility is currently undergoing extensive indoor and outdoor renovations to enhance aesthetic appeal and visitor comfort.

"We are currently fixing everything for that program, from the outdoor garden to the indoor exhibition rooms," Nuralam said during a meeting in Mataram on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The revitalization efforts focus heavily on the Ruang Khazanah (Treasury Room), which houses the museum's most valuable collections. Upgrades include the addition of new artifacts, a strategic layout reorganization, and high-quality lighting installations to make the displays more visually striking. Externally, the museum is installing decorative garden lighting and seating to create an aesthetic nighttime environment.

The Night at the Museum experience is scheduled for its official debut in August 2026 as part of the annual Museum Begawe festival. During the three-day event, the museum will extend its operating hours until 10.00 p.m. local time, offering a curated schedule of documentary screenings and community interaction spaces.

"In April-May, we are carrying out work related to the arrangement of the exhibition rooms and the garden," Nuralam added.

In a move to foster deeper cultural roots among the youth, the museum is also opening volunteer opportunities for young people to learn the intricacies of museum management and event organizing. Nuralam expressed hope that this hands-on involvement would shift perspectives on local heritage.

"We hope that young people can have a perspective on culture, especially regarding museums, through Night at the Museum and Museum Begawe," he said.

The strategic shift comes on the heels of a successful 2025, during which the museum recorded 44,443 visitors, an increase from the 42,723 tourists seen in 2024. By evolving into a more interactive and accessible institution, the NTB Museum aims to ensure that local historical and cultural legacies remain relevant in an ever-changing era. ***