The second phase of conservation and restoration efforts at the Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura would be taken up at a cost of Rs 3.50 crore, the Minister for Education and Culture M. A. Baby has said.
This apart, the departments of tourism and culture would work together to begin a light-and-sound show at the museum complex, he said, after inaugurating the initial phase of renovation works at the museum done at a cost of Rs. 4.50 crore, here on Saturday. “Historical buildings that are renovated to their past glory are an asset to humanity. Apart from showcasing our culture, they also attract tourists,” he said.
Responding to memoranda submitted by individuals and groups to extend the hours during which people can take their morning walk in the 52-acre museum campus, Mr. Baby said that this would be considered.
Taking into account the need to ensure the safety of valuable exhibits kept at the museum, identity cards would be issued to regular walkers. Tourism Secretary V. Venu said that many of the restored buildings were in a dilapidated condition when work began.
Apart from repairing the buildings and restoring the doors, windows etc., roofs were added to a few which did not have them.
A two-metre wide walkway too has been redone around the periphery of the compound, since many people frequent the premises for their regular walk. Two hundred lamp posts have been installed to light up the locale during early morning and at night.
Twelve closed-circuit cameras have been installed at vantage locations in the museum that treasures the crown and many other items used by the royal family of erstwhile Kochi. More cameras would follow. Three ponds in the compound and their ‘kulappuramalikas' too were restored. The renovation works were executed with the help of KITCO and SIDCO.
