JOIN USAfter several decades, the Government Archaeological Museum on Kasturba Road will sport a new look to attract more visitors.
The museum will get the new look probably for the first time since it was established. A pond with clean water, an arch on the lines of Atara Kacheri (High Court building), and several artefacts used for beautification, with the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage undertaking a revival and beautification programme.
“At present, civil work is on. Water in the pond was stagnant. We have ensured water flows now. The damaged compound wall will be reconstructed. An arch will be constructed on lines of the High Court, Commissioner C G Betsurmath said.
Water supply to improve
“In addition, water supply will be improved and garden levelled and beautified,” he added.
The department will also renovate the two-floor museum building.
“The roof leaks will be plugged. We hope to make it more attractive by renovating the painting works, bring in wood carvings and other antique works with historical significance. Our effort is to ensure visitors who visit Visvesvaraya Technological Museum should compulsorily visit the archaeological museum,” he said.
The museum on Kasturba Road (earlier Sidney Road) was established in 1865 by Dr Edward Green Balfour.
Oldest in country
The red amber building in Greeco-Roman style is considered one of the oldest museums in the country and the second oldest in South India.
It hosts several archaeological objects of stone, bronze, armours and other equipment.
Traditional paintings, as well as the earliest Kannada inscriptions – Halmidi inscription, the copper plates and collection of wood carvings make it one of the rare museums.
The department is also planning revival work at Venkatappa Art Gallery at a cost of Rs 50 lakh.
Tipu’s canons
The recently found canons at Metro rail construction site on KR Road near Tipu Sultan’s summer palace will be exhibited at the museum after renovation.
Betsurmath said that during his visit to the museum he inspected the canons lying idle there.
“Experts are being contacted on how to give it better and attractive look,” he said.
Two colonial age canons were unearthed from the metro construction site in November 2012.
The canons dating back to the 17th Century are housed in the archaeological museum.