The Wangduechhoeling Palace in Bumthang will soon be converted into a cultural centre and a modern museum. The Restoration and Adaptive Reuse project of the Palace, which began in 2015, is nearing completion. Once complete, the museum is expected to be open to the public and tourists which would help boost the local economy and promote tourism.
Wangduechhoeling Palace, once the seat of governance, built on the battlefield of Samkhar in 1857 by Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyel is an important cultural and historical monument, which defined the course of Bhutan’s history. The Palace marks the beginning of an era of peace and prosperity, and the growth of socio-cultural and political stability in Bhutan.
“Over 50 years or so, the Palace was not actively used, so it was falling into disrepair and seeing its plight, our co-chair Her Majesty the Gyalyum Tseyring Pem Wangchuck then sought Royal Consent to restore the Palace and readapt it as a Culture Centre and a Modern Museum. This is a museum to honour the reign and legacy of our monarchs and it is a very befitting place to honour our monarchs,” said Norbu Dema, Bhutan Foundation’s Director.
The structural restoration of the Palace was completed last year. The project, funded by the Bhutan Foundation and monitored by the Department of Culture has been able to employ laid-off hotel staff and tour guides during the COVID pandemic.
Tashi Deling Consultancy which specialises in restoration and conservation projects is implementing the works.
It is now working on the gallery plans, lighting, landscaping and adding facilities for the museum. The museum will use modern technologies and interactive exhibits to interpret historically significant stories.
“Instead of an old heritage structure filled with antique objects and artefacts, here we are looking at the narratives and the storytelling driving the museum design. For instance, everybody who is familiar with Wangduechhoeling knows about the fair and the mela that took place in the Palace. So, we are trying to use local artisans to recreate that mela and sort of animate it. That way we are not just using artefacts and objects to tell the story,” said Norbu Dema.
The architecture and paintings were restored without disturbing or changing their original grandeur. The structure will be equipped with fire hydrants and an elevator. It will also be accessible for wheelchair users, elderly visitors and persons with disabilities.
In the future, the museum will hold temporary exhibits, outreach educational activities, community engagements; and research and exchange programs among others.
Kipchu/Kelzang Choden
