Mysuru is getting yet another open-sky amphitheatre as the new one at the zoo here is all set for inauguration to mark its 125th year anniversary this month.
Upon its launch, the city will have four open air theatres with the oldest being the one at Manasagangotri, University of Mysore. The other two include the sprawling amphitheatre at Infosys Mysuru campus and the one nearing completion on the Town Hall premises.
The amphitheatre at the zoo can accommodate around 500 people. It is said to be built on the lines of the one in Singapore zoo.
What’s interesting about this zoo’s amphitheatre is that it has a natural canopy — tall trees providing shade to the entire venue — which has a built area of around 1,100 sq. m.
The amphitheatre has been designed by Ravikumar, a Mysuru-based architect. Built to host a variety of events, the amphitheatre will be the new venue to all the zoo’s activities such as Youth Club events, wildlife-centric, and conservation education activities, screening of wildlife-based films, and holding in–house events.
About ₹2.3 crore has been spent on building the amphitheatre, which is located next to Tandi Sadak, close to the service gate on M.G. Road. At its entrance, artworks on wild animals have been created on both sides to spread the message of wildlife conservation. A newly-built enclosure for Himalayan bear is also ready for inauguration during the 125th year fete.
However, the amphitheatre on Town hall premises has missed many deadlines. The facility is being built atop a underground parking facility. With a seating capacity of 1,000, the theatre is being constructed to give additional space for hosting public events, cultural performances, theatre shows, among other events.
The first open-air theatre is nestled in the green environs of the Manasagangotri campus which was recently renovated to host the centenary celebrations of the university. President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had addressed a gathering at this amphitheatre as part of the centenary celebrations and the 103rd Indian Science Congress respectively. The university had hosted the Science Congress.
Infosys Mysuru campus in Hebbal industrial area houses an aesthetically designed amphitheatre, which is used to host events. Among the four, only two – one at the university campus and another coming up on Town Hall premises — are available for hosting public events.
