Coimbatore: The museum at Semmozhi Park presents a picture of neglect, with space crunch being the primary issue. The facility is marred by inappropriate arrangement of artefacts, including sculptures, stone inscriptions, and burial urns. Unfinished work is another major concern, forcing staff to leave ancient sculptures unattended.
Relocation and Current State
Originally located at the Nehru Stadium commercial complex near VOC Park, the museum was moved to Semmozhi Park in March this year. The relocation occurred after daily footfall dropped to about 20 to 25 visitors following the closure of VOC Zoo. While visitor numbers have gradually increased since the move, the facilities remain far from satisfactory.
Exhibits and Neglect
The museum houses 200-year-old burial urns, a bull skeleton, animal fetuses, palm leaf manuscripts, wooden carvings, megalithic coins, and many other artefacts. However, during a visit on Thursday, several historically valuable sculptures were found lying neglected on the corridor near the ticket counter. Many visitors were unaware of the museum due to a lack of proper signage.
Displayed items had no name boards or descriptions of their origin, age, or identity, leaving visitors clueless. According to a museum staff member, the contractor left the museum unfinished after receiving payment. The staff said, "Due to the lack of space, some artefacts are still left at the earlier facility at the Nehru Stadium commercial complex. The installation of descriptions was also part of the contract, which is still pending."
Official Response
When contacted, corporation commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran stated that the allocated space was inspected and finalized by museum officials. "We initially offered them an option to develop the museum through our contractor, but they opted for a separate contractor in their department who has now left the work unfinished. There is so much space available, and the setting inside is not organized. Since they have come up with a last-minute request for additional space, we could only allot space at the rear side of the museum, for which they have to submit a separate estimate," he said.
The museum's current state highlights the need for better planning and execution to preserve historical artefacts and provide an enriching experience for visitors.
