Nagapattinam museum closed over two years due to renovation

Nagapattinam Government Museum Remains Closed for Over Two Years

The Nagapattinam Government Museum, under the Department of Museums, has been closed for over two years. This has raised concerns among residents, students, and history enthusiasts.

Museum History and Relocation

Established in 1999, the museum operated until December 2023 from a temporary building near the Customs office along Silver Beach Road. The construction of the Akkaraipettai overbridge required the demolition of this aging structure. Authorities shifted the artefacts in phases to the old Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) office building. The relocation was completed by March 2024, after which the museum closed to the public.

Structural Issues and Renovation

Officials stated that the closure was necessary because the old RDO building developed serious structural issues. Portions of the structure were peeling off, posing safety risks. The Public Works Department began renovation work in 2024. Civil works on the ground floor are complete, but reopening is delayed due to pending work on the first floor, including toilet construction, a requirement from the Department of Museums. Despite allocated funds, the museum remains inaccessible.

Artefacts and Collections

The prolonged closure means that nearly 900 artefacts are out of public view. The museum’s collection is significant for the Cauvery delta region. It includes Iron Age artefacts, black-and-red ware pottery, burial urns with skeletal remains, Pallava-period stone sculptures, palm-leaf inscriptions, ancient iron weapons, and a numismatic collection from early historic periods through the Chola era and into Dutch and British rule.

Maritime Heritage and Educational Outreach

One major attraction is the maritime and coastal heritage gallery, showcasing Nagapattinam’s seafaring trade history. This includes sea-shore artefacts and a 31-foot baleen whale skeleton. The galleries present Nagapattinam “through the ages,” with sections on the Chola period, the town’s role as a port city, and later Dutch and British presence. Other sections highlight biodiversity, local flora and fauna, and traditional paddy varieties.

Although the museum is closed, officials are working to maintain public engagement. Artefacts and photographs are being taken to schools and colleges for exhibitions during important days and special programs, ensuring limited educational outreach continues.

Official Response

When contacted by The Hindu, a senior official in the Nagapattinam district administration stated that the matter would be looked into.