By: Lipi.joshiJAIPUR: Albert Hall Museum is set to undergo major renovation, with work expected to begin within a month, but the exact date of its closure to the public is yet to be decided. Director of the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Pankaj Dharendra, said the project is expected to take 21 months to complete.Dharendra said the agency awarded the renovation project is currently assessing the existing condition of the museum. The findings of the study will help determine when the museum will shut to visitors.A senior official from the department said that one of the main problems behind the renovation not starting is that the directorate office is inside the Albert Hall Campus, which needs a designated space somewhere else to continue operations smoothly once revamp work begins. “We have urged the govt to allot us space as soon as possible”, he said.The estimated cost of renovation is set at Rs 27.45 crore. It aims to upgrade the museum to international standards. The scope of work includes civil repairs, renovation of existing toilets, installation of sanitary fittings and plumbing, lighting and other development works.The renovation is expected to involve work across the heritage building, which houses an extensive collection of artefacts, paintings, sculptures, pottery, carpets and other historical objects. The museum, located in Ram Niwas Bagh, is one of Jaipur’s prominent tourist attractions.
