Fri May 30 03:30:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the text:

**Mysuru’s Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion Undergoing Ambitious Restoration to Become Cultural Hub**

**Bengaluru, May 30, 2025** – Mysuru’s historic Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion (JVM), a 120-year-old former royal residence, is undergoing a significant restoration aimed at reviving its former glory and transforming it into a vibrant cultural landmark. Decades of neglect have taken their toll on the lemon-hued edifice, but a collaborative effort led by the Deccan Heritage Foundation India (DHFI), with support from the Harish and Bina Shah Foundation and the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation, promises to breathe new life into the architectural gem.

Built as a wedding gift for Maharajakumari Jayalakshammanni, the mansion has served various purposes, including a royal residence, an academic institution, and finally a folklore museum. The restoration project goes beyond structural repairs, aiming to create a space that celebrates the diverse cultures of the Deccan region.

“The Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion is an architectural testament to transcultural and transhistorical influences,” says Dr. Helen Philon, co-founder of the Deccan Heritage Foundation India (DHFI).

The restored mansion will host musical performances, dance events, exhibitions, and culinary experiences, attracting both local and international audiences. The project also involves cataloging and conserving the mansion’s extensive collection of anthropological and ethnographic artifacts, including documents from Kannada literary giants.

A unique aspect of the project is its focus on long-term financial sustainability. Plans include establishing a cultural and educational center, restaurants, and a museum shop to ensure the mansion’s continued upkeep. The architectural restoration of the building is occurring in parallel with experts studying the collections carefully, “looking at each object, giving it a new accession number, recording its details and setting up a system where the object is technically imaged.

“Heritage buildings like this can survive only if they can pay for themselves,” states Akhila Udayashankar, senior conservation architect heading the project.

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