The Hindu : Front Page : Museum plans a ‘sculpture garden’

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Monday, Nov 23, 2009
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Museum plans a ‘sculpture garden’

R. Krishnamoorthy

High pedestals to be constructed to mount the stone statues

— Photo: R. Ashok

PRESERVING ARTEFACTS: The Government Museum at Town Hall in Tiruchi has plans to establish a ‘sculpture garden.’

TIRUCHI: The Government Museum functioning at the historic Rani Mangammal Durbar Hall in the Town Hall complex has plans to establish a ‘sculpture garden’ to showcase its rich repertoire of statues of historic and religious significance.

A proposal submitted by the museum authorities to the Government envisages construction of high pedestals to mount the stone statues ranging from 1.5 feet to seven feet and project them better in iron mesh enclosures with labels. The authorities intend to establish the scuplture garden on a vacant space of 2,500 square feet on its premises.

The museum, which is now in its 26th year, has in its possession over 100 statues, most of them made of granite, right from those belonging to the eighth century. The vast collection depicting exquisite art forms includes statues of Gautama Buddha and Mahaveer Jain, besides fossils collected from Ariyalur and a ship anchor, which could not be showcased so far due to want of space. Once the sculpture garden is created, the massive anchor of 10-feet height and 15 feet in breadth can be projected well, according to the Curator In-Charge C. Govindaraj.

The facelift was imperative for the museum in a big city like Tiruchi to attract more number of visitors. The Museum was shifted to the Rani Mangammal Durbar Hall from Cantonment during 1997. “Location of the museum in the heart of the city is a major plus point. The project will be carried out next year with ‘Gallery Improvement’ funds being provided on a regular basis,” said Mr. Govindaraj.The museum’s exhibits reflecting facets of arts, history, culture, environment and technical skills have been serving the interests of students and researchers, besides the section of art-savvy public.

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