Rs.55cr makeover plan in place Bhau Daji Lad museum revamp

Rs.55cr makeover plan in place

Bhau Daji Lad museum revamp

In an attempt to revamp the museum along international lines, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has undertaken an expansion project of the Bhau Daji Lad museum. For this, the civic body will be providing additional land and financial assistance. The museum is featured among the top five museums in the country. The expansion of the museum will cost about Rs55 crore, which will be shared between the central government and the BMC, the Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). While the Centre will provide Rs5 crore for the project, the BMC will pay Rs25 crore and the rest Rs25 crore by the INTACH. The decision was taken on Wednesday in a joint meeting held by the BMC. In attendance were municipal commissioner Sitaram Kunte, mayor Sunil Prabhu, standing committee chariman Rahul Shewale, members of the museum and zoo officials. “Several foreigners, mostly diplomats and consulate officials, visit the museum. Therefore, a revamp and expansion is very important. We have also planned audio–visual rooms or educational programmes and seminars, two exhibition centres, art galleries, a cafeteria and souvenir shop, an interpreter centre, heritage conservation laboratory, library, rest-rooms, drinking water facilities and waiting room for the visitors for the museum,” Shewale said. An area of 50,000 square feet will be added in new expansion. Shewale added that Tasneem Mehta, the managing trustee and honorary director of the museum and also the convenor of the Mumbai chapter of INTACH, has given them the requirements which the civic body will put to use. He appreciated Mehta’s efforts in helping maintain the museum and its glory.