What has been dubbed India's largest museum is due to open on 15 January, although entry will be restricted to travellers passing through Mumbai Airport's new T2 terminal.
However, with the terminal having the capability of handling around 40 million passengers annually once it is fully operational, local media has said that the new Jaye He museum could well cost the Louvre in Paris its coveted top spot as 'world's most visited'.
Occupying an area of 80,000sq ft (7,432sq m), the collection of art, craft and heritage pieces comprises around 7,000 artefacts – some dating back to the 8th century - plus a 3km (1.8m) long art wall displaying works by more than 1,500 artists.
According to a report in
The Times of India, all the ancient finds on display have been sourced within the last four years from cities, villages, collectors and museums across the country.
The same report observes that the concept of art in airports is not new.
Whilst not on the scale of Jaye He, Amsterdam's Schiphol exhibits collections from the Rijksmuseum; Toulouse airport in France started showing contemporary art in 2012; and the Espace Musees at Paris-CDG displays works by famous artists, usually in partnership with one of the city's museums.
