The renovation of Yangon landmark the Secretariat is edging closer to completion, with the opening of a museum in the complex scheduled for July, according to state media.
The museum will comprise two rooms, one a parliamentary exhibition and the other dedicated to some of Burma’s independence leaders, including General Aung San, who were assassinated during a cabinet meeting in the building 72 years ago.
The museum cost more than 20 million kyats (US$13,200) to construct, reported The Global New Light of Myanmar, while the overall renovation of the Secretariat is said to be upwards of $50 million.
Secretariat Conservation Trust chairman U Maung Maung Thein told the newspaper there would be an entrance fee and events would be allowed at the museum.
The kind of event may be a sensitive issue judging by previous months. Though the Anawmar Art Group, which is refurbishing the Secretariat, has opened some parts for photography exhibitions and tours, the announcement of a night market to be held in its compound in February caused uproar.
The bazaar, known as Nightfest, was cancelled three days before it was due to take place after criticism of its plans to sell alcohol. Many social media users said that holding such an event on its grounds would be disrespectful—a reminder of the Secretariat’s importance to the public, as the storied building embarks on its new chapter as a space for restaurants, offices and the museum.
