DNA
 
Mumbai, Mar 16: The Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), best-known as the Prince of Wales Museum is now planning a two-phase makeover -  covering the external facade as well as major internal repairs — under the supervision of conservation architect Abha Narain-Lambah.

Tenders for the work contract for this Rs 1.3 crore restoration work will be out soon. With the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) sanctioning a sum of Rs25 lakh, the remaining sum will come from the museum’s own reserves and donations. The CSMVS is celebrating its centenary this year.

Phase I of will largely deal with plinth protection, as constant water seepage has caused dampness in the structure along with the main entrance lobby. “In the 1960s, the gap between the stones was filled with cement, which is not the best medium and even the joints look ugly. We have to undo this and instead use lime plaster,” stated Kalpana Desai, Director, CSMVS.

Hanging wires and ugly switches in the main galleries would now be a thing of the past as authorities stumbled on in-built gas conduits. “Stretching wires from one gallery to another was painful and hanging wires used to be an ugly sight. We asked an expert to check out some holes we observed on the ceiling, which turned out to be gas pipeline. We have passed all wires in the picture gallery through them. This would help in concealing the wiring,” added Desai.

Besides uniform signage, the task includes window repairs, shifting of the air-conditioned units along with polymer-aided cement repairs for the old chajjas. “The three domes are in structurally good condition, but the protective coating is fading,” observed Abha Narain-Lambah. The conservationist will also look into the restoration of the existing landscape of the gardens, once the proposed rain harvesting plan undertaken by the museum kicks off this monsoon. “We are digging out old photographs to check the trees, nature of plants and style of the past era in order to restore its grandeur,” added Narain.

In a decisive step, Desai is planning to completely change the look of the existing shop of the museum. “We need one year for the change. We plan to display merchandise products to attract visitors,” she said. In partnership with the Kala Ghoda Association, the museum has written to the BMC to shift its next door BEST bus station to ensure better visibility of the Grade A monument from Colaba side. The authorities have asked Sulabh to reduce the height of the existing toilet outside its premises and partly go underground.