Madurai Gandhi museum reopens after ₹10.25-crore modernisation
The Gandhi Memorial Museum in Madurai has been modernised at an estimated cost of ₹10.25 crore, combining restoration of its historic structure with digital exhibitions and improved visitor access. The project includes touchscreen displays, an audio-visual theatre, upgraded facilities and accessibility measures for older and disabled visitors.
The Gandhi Memorial Museum in Madurai has been reopened after a modernisation project estimated to have cost ₹10.25 crore. The supplied report says Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay inaugurated the renovated landmark, which combines restoration of its historic architecture with new digital facilities.
Work began in October 2022 after initial financial allocations. The project was intended to attract younger visitors while preserving the building’s historical character. Restoration teams used traditional materials including lime, palm jaggery, myrobalan, small bricks and river sand to repair walls and restore the terrace and arched roofs.
Damaged roof rafters, doors and windows were replaced with teak frames and planks. The project also included electrical upgrades, aesthetic improvements and a new restroom block. Partition walls were removed from exhibition areas to create space for digitised display cases.
The museum has installed an eight-person elevator and a connecting walkway to improve access for senior citizens and differently abled visitors. The nearby Kumarappa Kudil, which had fallen into disrepair, was renovated with structural grills and a new galvanised sheet roof. The open-air theatre received Kota stone flooring and ramp-fitted handrails.
According to museum secretary K.R. Nanda Rao, the new facilities include touchscreen kiosks and digital displays on Mahatma Gandhi’s life, freedom fighters and his links with Tamil Nadu. Two interactive displays trace Gandhi’s 20 visits to the State, including five to Madurai, and his travels across nine districts.
A 34-seat, air-conditioned audio-visual theatre now screens a 15-minute documentary about Gandhi’s life and his connection with Madurai. Animated puppet shows, digital kiosks and rotoscopes have also been added for children and other visitors. The adjacent library has upgraded shelves and reading tables.
Nanda Rao said the project sought to combine traditional craftsmanship with interactive learning.
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