Audrey House in Ranchi Rejuvenated as Cultural Hub
Audrey House, a 168-year-old heritage building in Ranchi, Jharkhand, has been restored and transformed into a cultural hub. The building was built in 1854 by Captain Hannyington, the then deputy commissioner of Chhotanagpur. It served as an extension of the governor’s secretariat under the British Raj and later housed offices of the government when Ranchi was the summer capital of undivided Bihar.
The building fell into disrepair after Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar in 2000. In 2009, there were plans to renovate the building, but the project was shelved due to lack of funds. In 2013, the state government finally approved the restoration project and it was completed in 2016.
The restored Audrey House now houses a full-fledged cultural center with galleries, a documentation center, an open-air theater for 600 people, and a tribal museum. The center is dedicated to promoting native culture, arts, and crafts.
Pranab Mukherjee unveiling the plaque to inaugurate the Art Gallery, at Audrey House adjacent to Jharkhand Raj Bhavan, at Ranchi. The Governor of Jharkhand, Smt. Draupadi Murmu and the Chief Minister of Jharkhand
The renovation of Audrey House was a major undertaking that required careful planning and execution. The conservationists took care to preserve the original features of the building while also making it functional for its new purpose. The result is a beautiful and historic building that is now a valuable asset to the city of Ranchi.
The opening of Audrey House as a cultural hub is a major step forward for the promotion of culture and arts in Jharkhand. The center is expected to attract visitors from all over the state and the country. It will also provide a platform for local artists and artisans to showcase their work.
The restoration of Audrey House is a testament to the commitment of the state government to preserving its heritage. It is also a symbol of the city’s growing cultural vibrancy. The centre is sure to become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike
