The renovation of former UN Secretary General U Thant's museum has begun. Aye Aye Thant, U Thant's daughter said that she intends to have a Grand Opening on July 22, 2014, to commemorate U Thant's 105th birth anniversary.
The museum was closed for renovation after a soft opening ceremony on April 6, 2013. At present, it is open only to students and organizations on study and excursion trips. The museum will be open to public free of charge on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Aye Aye Thant said, “The museum is undergoing both internal and external renovation work. We have completed only 60% renovation work for the grand opening ceremony. We have been receiving financial assistance and are seeking more funds. All the donors are from Myanmar.”
Interior renovation works are being done with the assistance of Thai professionals since June, 2012. Thein Shwe, museum curator said, “Currently, renovation work is suspended due to re-evaluation and re-estimation of design work sent to Bangkok team. We are waiting for their reply.” He added that, “Interior renovation work is more crucial. The number of visitors to museum is low during the monsoon season.”
As part if interior renovation work, arrangements are being made to display over 50 photos of U Thant, portraits of U Thant by artist Nay Myo Say, two paintings of artist Tin Myint and a statue of U Thant.
