Bilwa Kulkarni

Biography

Bilwa Kulkarni-Poddar is an independent museum and educational consultant specializing in early years learning. With over 14 years of experience in museum education and interpretation, she is dedicated to bridging the gap between visitors and museum narratives—crafting experiences that make objects and stories not just relevant, but impactful in shaping perspectives, conversations, and the future.

Most recently, Bilwa served as the Director of Programs and Outreach at the Museum of Solutions (2020-2024), a pioneering children’s museum in Mumbai, initiated by JSW. Inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, MuSo is designed to empower children to explore, innovate, and contribute towards solving real-world challenges. At MuSo, Bilwa played a key role in developing the museum’s educational vision, designing immersive learning experiences, and establishing a dynamic engagement model that fosters curiosity, creativity, and action-driven learning.

Prior to this, Bilwa spent a decade at CSMVS Mumbai (2010–2020), where she significantly expanded the museum’s educational outreach. As Head of the Learning Department, she developed engaging programs tailored to children’s learning needs, facilitated training for educators and caregivers, and led academic and cultural initiatives. Her expertise extended beyond education into interpretation and visitor engagement, contributing to several landmark projects, including the establishment of a Children’s Museum Wing, the acquisition of a new children’s art collection, and the design and development of the Museum on Wheels as well as its programming. She was also part of the curatorial team for India and the World: A History in Nine Stories (2017–18), a landmark collaboration between CSMVS, the British Museum, and the National Museum, New Delhi.

As an independent consultant, Bilwa continues to explore how museum storytelling can foster curiosity, engagement, and personal connections. She believes in the power of play, experiential learning, and thoughtful interpretation to make museum spaces more accessible, inclusive, and inspiring for all. Bilwa is also a certified facilitator for LEGO® Serious Play® by the Association of Master Trainers.

At the British Museum
During her time on the International Training Programme in 2015, Bilwa was based in the Department of Asia. Her UK Partner placement was spent with Bristol Museums, Galleries and Archives.

In 2015 each participant was asked to plan and propose a temporary exhibition based on the physical space and concept of the Asahi Shimbun Displays in Room 3 at the British Museum.  Bilwa’s exhibition project proposal was entitled Sakyamuni Buddha: The Icon of Gandhar.

Bilwa’s place on the International Training Programme was generously supported by Steven Larcombe and Sonya Leydecker.

Legacy Projects
Bilwa attended the ITP 10th anniversary workshop Creating museums of world stories organised by the British Museum and CSMVS Mumbai in 2015. The event was attended by many ITP fellows from different years and countries, UK partners and British Museum colleagues.

In 2019, Bilwa co-organised and took part in the ITP+ Course on Museums and Education held at CSMVS Mumbai which focused on the vital role museums can play in education, learning and social development. The workshop was attended by ITP fellows from Malaysia, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe as well as UK partners and British Museum colleagues.

Bilwa was Senior Fellow (e-Learning) for the 2021 annual programme. She supported the ITP team in the build up to, during and after the e-programme attended online by 21 museum professionals from 18 countries.

Bilwa is also a member of the ITP Advisory Board.