Mitchell was accompanied on his visit to the site by Myanmar’s Deputy Minister for Culture Than Swe, and Minister for Finance and Revenue for Mandalay Division Phone Zaw Han, as well as local artists, architects and other interested parties.

An announcement later confirmed that historians and experts from the Ministry of National Museums and Libraries will consult on the project, and that funding would be provided by the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.

The Shwenandaw Monastery was built by King Mindon in the 19th century. It is known for its teak carvings of Buddhist myths which adorn its walls and roofs. After King Mindon died, his son, King Thibaw, had the monastery moved from the palace to its current location near Mandalay Hill.