Victoria Museum to remain closed for renovation

Roof and a portion of railing on verge of collapse. Museum officials here have already received instructions in this regard from the in-charge Director G.V. Ramakrishna Rao from Hyderabad a couple of days ago.

The historic Victoria Jubilee Museum will be closed temporarily for taking up renovation works.

The Department of Archaeology and Museums has taken the decision to this effect to protect the historic monument as its roof and a portion of the railing are on the verge of collapsing.

Museum officials here have already received instructions in this regard from the in-charge Director G.V. Ramakrishna Rao from Hyderabad a couple of days ago.

It will be closed from July 21 and the date of reopening will be announced after completion of the restoration works, officials said.

Idols to be shifted

Bronze sculptures, idols, rare coins belonging to different eras, copper plate inscriptions, cutlery, early historic cultural material, prehistoric stone tools, metal works, bidriware, ceramicware etc that are presently housed in the museum will be shifted to the arms and weapons gallery to pave way for the works.

Archaeological Department Assistant Director K. Chittibabu confirmed that the historic monument will be closed from July 21.

“We are taking up renovation works at a cost of Rs.50 lakh granted under the 13th Finance Commission. Repairs will be done with white cement without disturbing the structure,” he explained.

The department is roping in artists from Peddapuram to give a new look to the monument. Plans are afoot to strengthen the security systems. Security guards were already deployed to restrict the entry of unauthorized persons. According to officials, the museum was constructed in 1887 by Roberts Sewell in commemoration of Golden Jubilee celebrations of Queen Victoria coronation.