Project Scope: Preparation of Detailed Project Report and site supervision for structural retrofitting of existing structures, construction of new structures, creation of a new interpretation centre for the site.
Client: Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata
Project Cost:
Project Duration: June 2024 Onwards
Project Status: Ongoing
Project Brief: The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, established in 1870, is one of the oldest and most momentous organizations of the city. The SMPK envisions the establishment of a Kolkata Port Heritage Museum within a retrofitted historic shed at the Khidderpore Docks, also known as the Indenture Memorial Complex. The museum is a part of a larger masterplan for the development of the entire site by restoring and retrofitting the industrial heritage for adaptive reuse.
The proposed Museum, with 6 distinct galleries, will offer a comprehensive journey through the rich history and operations of Kolkata Port, from its inception to its lasting impact on the city and beyond. Visitors will discover the deep connection between Bengal’s rivers and the evolution of the port, tracing how the Hooghly River became central to trade and cultural exchange in the region. The museum will showcase the historical development of port infrastructure and operations. Architectural exhibits will highlight the port’s iconic buildings and structures, reflecting the industrial advancements of the colonial era. The museum will also feature the port’s influence on Bengali art, literature, and cinema, demonstrating its place in popular culture. Finally, an exhibition on the indentured labour trade will delve into the port's role in migration, telling the stories of workers who departed for distant lands, illustrating the human dimension of Kolkata’s maritime legacy.
