PWD set to restore the fading grandeur of Government Museum buildings

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.

A close look at a corner of the building reveals a plague embedded in the wall stating that the foundation stone for the building was laid in March 1890. Officials of the PWD said the Anthropology block comprising ground and first floor was opened in 1896 along with the Museum Theatre.

Extending over nine halls and spread over 36,210 sq.ft, these galleries showcase exhibits, including those related to ethnology and physical anthropology. While there is a connecting corridor to Connemara library, it has now been closed, said officials.

This building too has been damaged with water leaking from the Madras Terrace roof and seeping through the walls till the ground floor. Work on restoration of decorative art plastering on the ceiling would be taken up after discussion with conservation architect. Officials said the restoration work also includes fixing of teak wood glazed ventilators, coloured glass panes and heritage tiled floor besides rainwater harvesting system and improved landscaping. The project is set to be completed in a year, considering the high footfall at the museum.