5 heritage buildings to become museums

The State Government will convert five major heritage buildings in the State into heritage museums. Bastion Bungalow in Fort Kochi is one of the buildings to get the heritage status, and Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who laid the foundation stone for the renovation of the Bungalow in Fort Kochi on Saturday.

The Chief Minister informed that  funds were already allocated for renovation works.

The other buildings that will be converted into heritage museums are Sreepaadam Palace in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollamkode Palace in Thrissur, Velu Thampi Dalava Memorial museum in Pathanamthitta and Pazhassi’s Tomb in Wayanad. The total cost for implementing the project is estimated at `14 crore.

Meanwhile, in his presidential address, Minister for Cultural Affairs K C Joseph said that the aim of the project is to convert the heritage buildings into educational centres. “The cultural integrity and glory of the buildings should be protected with the help of modern techniques.  However, while using modern techniques, we should make sure that the existing structures are not affected,” he said.

“The government aims to revive our cultural heritage with this project.”he said and added that in order to create an archive of ancient sculptures, a workshop will be organised at Fort Kochi. The Minister said said that the Government will identify similar buildings in other districts and will take steps to renovate and preserve them. The funds allocated for the Bastion Bungalow renovation is `5.40 crore. Touch screens will be installed in the buildings so that visitors will have easy access to information on the items displayed in it.

Sculptures reflecting the cultural heritage of Kochi will be installed at the museum park.

Along with services offered by guides, audio guiding system in all major languages will be available at the renovated Bungalow.

Mayor Tony Chammany, Dominic Presentation MLA, Museum Executive Director S Raimon, and Ernakulam District Collector P I Sheikh Pareeth were present.