Staircase collapse prompts renovation of National Museum
Work expected to to be completed by the end of this year
Sanuja Kasthuriarachchi, Director of Museums said yesterday that the conservation of monuments at the National Museum, Colombo could be completed by the end of this year.
The museum building of Italian architectural style is being renovated expanding its facilities to visitors for the first time in its 140-year old history.
“This is not simply a renovation. The entire building is being rehabilitated. It is time-consuming because of the complex procedures we have to follow to avoid damage,” Ms. Kasthuriarachchi said.
She also said Army personnel carrying out the renovations were paying close attention to preserve the historical value of the building without altering moldings or structures. The renovations
CECB recommendations that the upper floor was no longer safe for the visitors following the collapse of one wooden staircase at the museum, had led to the complete renovation of the building.
were carried out in consultation with the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB) using state funds.
“Together with the renovations, the roof had to be repaired and it changed the estimated time frame to complete work. However, we hope to complete the renovations by the end of this year,” she said.
She said an upgraded CCTV system and a fire extinguishing system would be installed in the building and that after the repairs are completed, they would organise exhibitions of international standard. “The whale skeleton, one of the major attractions at the museum, would be moved to a separate gallery at the natural history section of the museum under the theme ‘Osteo’. All skeletons and bone -related exhibits will put on display at this gallery hereafter. We hope to open this gallery to the public by the end of this year as well,” she said.
CECB recommendations that the upper floor was no longer safe for the visitors following the collapse of one wooden staircase at the museum, had led to the complete renovation of the building.