Cultural Heritage: Renovation works at historic sites

Union Minister for Hotels, Tourism, and Cultural U Maung Myint inspected ongoing renovation works in Mandalay on Saturday.

He visited the reconstruction of the Thudhamma Prayers' Hall (2), being rebuilt by the Construction Battalion (Engineer) No. 951 with the support of National Disaster Management Fund, and the Shwenandaw Monastery, restored under the supervision of the Department of Archaeology and National Museum.

During the visit, the Union Minister emphasized to preserve the original structure, continue regular maintenance, and follow the guidance of the President. The reconstruction Thudhamma Prayers' Hall (2) has now 70% completed, and it is expected to complete by early May 2026. The Thudhamma Prayers' Hall was first built in 1859 in Mandalay during King Mindon’s reign. Only 19 of the original 33 halls remain and are being restored with traditional wooden craftsmanship.

The Shwenandaw Monastery, a 19th-century teak structure, was converted from a royal palace into a monastery. Known for its gold leaf interiors, it survived the damages of World War II and remains as a significant heritage building.