Heena: National Museum due for extensive renovations; works to begin with China’s assistance

Heritage Minister Heena Waleed, on Wednesday, citing that the building housing the National Museum has not undergone any major structural renovations since its opening, states a comprehensive renovation project is set to commence soon with assistance from the Chinese government.

Responding to a question raised by Feydhoo South MP Ibrahim Didi during Wednesday's parliamentary sitting, Minister Heena said the museum building has not undergone any significant maintenance work since it was inaugurated.

"The building currently housing the National Museum has not seen major renovations since it was inaugurated. Subsequently, it is now in urgent need of extensive repair work," Minister Heena said.

In addition to the planned structural repairs, the Minister stressed the importance of digitizing the museum's collection. She also revealed that efforts are underway to establish an interactive immersive museum as a branch of the National Museum, an initiative expected to broaden and improve the institution's services.

"A crucial project to renovate the National Museum is near commencement with assistance from the Chinese government. I assure you that this work will commence very soon," she added.

The National Museum was previously reopened to the public on August 30, 2023, following the completion of a redevelopment project financed by the Bank of Maldives (BML) and the Heritage Trust Fund.

Implemented under BML's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, which contributed MVR 2 million, the project included the installation of new display cases, digital screens, and information kiosks, in addition to essential maintenance work.

According to the Ministry at the time, the project also included interior modifications, general maintenance, the installation of a modern climate control system to help preserve historical artifacts, and the establishment of a comprehensive security camera network. These works were supported by MVR 4.7 million from the state budget, while a further MVR 185,955 was allocated from the Heritage Trust Fund to meet additional development requirements.