Gole Market heritage building to be turned into museum

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is all set to convert the quaint old Gole Market heritage building into a museum, in a bid to preserve the Lutyen' s Delhi history. The New Delhi Museum will come depict the culture and history of the city since its birth as the imperial capital of the British India.

The Gole Market building dates to the pre-independence era.

According to NDMC officials, the building, with its original architecture, will be restored by September, 2018. "The heritage building will be turned into a museum so as to preserve the history of Lutyen's Delhi. The museum will have historical artefacts, old maps, and mementoes from the pre and post-independence periods. The place is expected to be visited by international tourists and dignitaries, besides locals," a senior official said.

The museum will also have photographs and other display material based on the socio-economic, cultural, and political aspects and conditions of the city, along with contribution of freedom fighters.

"Restoration of the building and setting up of the museum is likely to be completed by September, 2018. The museum will provide an opportunity for free discussion and dialogue and it will help sensitise target groups, such as teachers, adults, and youths for promotion and better understanding of our heritage," NDMC Chairman Naresh Kumar said.

The purpose of conservation of this building, Kumar said, was not to freeze its current status but to adapt it to modern use sensitively. The restoration process for the place will involve architectural restoration of historic edifice, creation of a central food court, provision of public facilities such as toilets, drinking water, information signs, directional signs, benches, and fountains, he added.

The Chairman said the history of Gole Market is inextricably linked to the birth of New Delhi as an imperial capital city of British India. Built as a subsidiary market to the prime business centre of Connaught Place, this market was designed to serve the needs of the residential population of officers.

The ensemble comprises of the central 12-sided market with six entrances and a central open court, flanked by three circular colonnaded markets on the southern periphery. The Central Market is now referred to as Gole Market, with six entrances into the central courtyard.

PRESERVE HISTORY

• The museum will have photographs and other display material based on the socio-economic, cultural, and political aspects of the city, along with the contribution of freedom fighters
   
• The aim of the museum is to preserve the history of Lutyen’s Delhi