Mysuru: The Mysuru district administration and the Department of Tourism have initiated a project to give a facelift to the historic Old DC Office building, popularly known as Attara Kacheri. The proposal, announced in the 2025 State Budget, aims to restore the 130-year-old heritage structure and convert it into a museum and tourism hub.
The iconic red building, constructed during the reign of Chamaraja Wadiyar, has remained largely neglected for the past three years after district administrative offices were shifted to Siddhartha Nagar. Located in the central business district of Mysuru, the structure has long been considered a landmark of historical and architectural importance.
Museum under Swadesh Darshan
The Department of Tourism plans to convert the heritage building into a museum and tourism spot under the Swadesh Darshan scheme. The State Government has also expressed its intent to transform the building into a museum that showcases the region’s rich cultural and historical legacy.
As part of the proposal, rare artefacts currently kept in the treasury of the Department of Archaeology, Heritage and Museums will be displayed. A total of 369 artefacts, including inscriptions on copper plates and ancient coins, are expected to form part of the exhibition.
Officials have also proposed displaying khadi handloom products and other items that are unique to Mysuru, with the aim of promoting local crafts and attracting tourists from across the country and abroad.
Detailed project report underway
Given the heritage status of Attara Kacheri, conservation norms require that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) be prepared by experts specialising in heritage structure conservation. The State Government is expected to issue a formal work order for the preparation of the DPR.
Deputy Commissioner Lakshmikanth Reddy, who also heads the District Tourism Development Committee, said that once the Tourism Department submits the DPR to the district administration, it will be forwarded to the State Government for administrative and financial approval.
“A tender will be floated to undertake the facelift and to convert the old building into a museum after completing all statutory procedures,” he said.
Assistant Director of Tourism Prabhuswamy stated that the department has already initiated measures for preparing the DPR and that a work order has been issued. The DPR for converting the Old DC Office building into a museum and art gallery is expected to be ready within the next three months.
Need to preserve heritage value
Historians and heritage conservationists have welcomed the move but stressed the importance of maintaining the original architectural character of the building. NS Rangaraju, a Mysuru historian and former member of the District Heritage Committee, said the structure has suffered due to lack of maintenance over the past few years.
“There is an urgent need to give it a facelift while retaining its heritage value,” he said, adding that any renovation must strictly follow conservation guidelines.
With the proposed conversion, authorities aim to transform Attara Kacheri into a prominent cultural and tourism destination, thereby preserving a significant chapter of Mysuru’s history while promoting heritage tourism in the region.
If implemented as planned, the project is expected to not only restore the grandeur of the historic structure but also enhance Mysuru’s appeal as a global tourism destination.