Thu Feb 27 20:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Historic French Museum in Chandannagar to Undergo 18-24 Month Restoration

**Kolkata, West Bengal – February 28, 2025** – The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will temporarily relocate the renowned French museum housed within Dupleix Palace in Chandannagar, West Bengal, for extensive restoration. The decision follows an incident late last year where portions of the building’s false ceiling collapsed, narrowly avoiding injury to visitors and artifacts.

The 1740 building, officially known as the Institut de Chandernagor, served as the residence of Joseph Francois Dupleix, the French Governor-General in India. It houses a significant library and conducts French language classes.

The ASI plans to relocate the museum and its artifacts for 18 to 24 months while carrying out comprehensive restoration work, including upgrades to public facilities. A source within the ASI stated that the relocation, to a nearby location likely within the same compound, will be undertaken in collaboration with the West Bengal state government.

Although the ceiling collapse occurred during the Durga Puja holidays and again on November 26th, the ASI is awaiting budget allocation before commencing the project. A proposal for funding has been submitted, with officials expecting approval in the upcoming financial budget. The museum’s director, Basabi Pal, confirmed that the damaged ceiling has been removed, and the museum has reopened to the public. She expressed optimism that restoration work will begin soon.

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