PWD set to restore the fading grandeur of Government Museum buildings

PWD initiates restoration of historic Government Museum buildings in Chennai, reviving their architectural grandeur within a year.

Two historic buildings at the Egmore Government Museum, home to the Geology and Anthropology galleries, are poised to regain their former glory as the Public Works Department (PWD) has begun meticulous restoration of the landmark structures.

The weathered walls and facades of the iconic structures, which showcase a slice of the history, stand as reminders of a rich architectural past. The PWD’s Building Centre and Conservation Division engaged in heritage restoration is carrying out the work at the 16.25-acre museum complex known for its Indo-Saracenic architectural style.

One among the six buildings in the complex, the Geology section on the rear of the Museum Theatre was built in 1851. Spread over nearly 5,500 sq.ft., the single-storey structure with a mezzanine floor has suffered about 60% decay.

The 16-large window frames on the ground floor, earlier concealed behind bulky exhibits and deteriorated, are now being prepared for restoration. The damaged partly panelled and partly glazed doors have been removed and are set to be replaced.

Pointing out to the deep cracks running through the walls, an official of the PWD said preliminary work is in progress to repair the damaged inner walls and also leaky Mangalore tile roofing. While many of the geological exhibits have been relocated, some of the permanently fixed installations are being covered to facilitate restoration work.

Traditional ‘Theervai’ wall plastering work using lime mortar would be carried with materials sourced from Virudhunagar district. Another majestic, red-bricked structure on the rear of the Museum Theatre and Connemara Library, which houses the Anthropology gallery, also showed signs of decay.