Tue Dec 23 23:12:00 UTC 2025: ## News Article Summary and Rewrite:
Summary:
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the newly restored Victoria Public Hall in Chennai on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. The restoration, part of the Singara Chennai 2.0 initiative, cost ₹32.62 crore and began in 2023. The event featured exhibits on the hall’s history, Chennai’s mobility, and Tamil civilization, along with a traditional dance performance. Architects were felicitated and the hall’s official website was launched.
News Article Rewrite:
Chennai Landmark Victoria Public Hall Reopens After Extensive Restoration
Chennai, December 24, 2025 – After two years of meticulous restoration work, the historic Victoria Public Hall in Chennai was officially reopened yesterday by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The event marked the culmination of a ₹32.62 crore project under the Singara Chennai 2.0 initiative, aimed at preserving and revitalizing the city’s architectural heritage.
Located between Chennai Central Railway Station and the Ripon Buildings, the hall was formally inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Chief Minister, who then toured the exhibits within. The exhibitions showcased the building’s inception, prominent speakers who graced its stage, and the hall’s significant role in the birth of the Justice Party. Theatre artifacts related to Suguna Vila Sabha and details of the restoration process were also on display.
The exhibits were further enhanced by approximately 120 ancient musical instruments dating back to the Sangam period, including the tutari, kuzhal, and kinnaram. Outside the hall, visitors could explore exhibits on Chennai’s transportation history featuring rickshaw models and trams, as well as displays highlighting the roots of Tamil civilization from Pallavaram to Keezhadi.
The inauguration included a captivating traditional dance performance, depicting historical events and speeches that once resonated within the hall’s walls. Chief Minister Stalin also honored principal architect Abha Narain Lambah and Ram Savani, Managing Director of Savani Heritage Conservation, for their successful completion of the restoration project.
The ceremony concluded with the launch of the Victoria Public Hall’s official website, providing a digital portal to the hall’s rich history and its future role as a cultural center. The newly restored Victoria Public Hall promises to be a prominent venue for cultural activities and a testament to Chennai’s commitment to preserving its heritage for future generations.
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