Kochi: Muziris, a preservation-cum-tourism project in Kerala, will soon get a massive boost with the launch of four museums. Dr Manoj Kumar Kini, the Managing Director of Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Ltd (KTIL) and Muziris heritage project, said the tourism department would open four museums in the key heritage sites by May 2023.

The facelift intends to reinstate the cultural and historical significance of The Muziris Heritage Sites (MHS). This has been included under the Kerala government’s ‘100 Days Programme’.

The museums are the Islamic history museum at Cheraman Juma Masjid complex, Kerala Council for Historical Research (KCHR) museum in Pattanam, the Kottapuram Senate museum, and a museum showcasing historical artifacts in Cheraman Parambu.

Though it has been 10 years since the launch of Muziris Heritage Project (MHP)d, it is only Paliam Palace Museum was open to the public.

Further, the 2018 Kerala flood and Covid pandemic delayed the facelift.

Meanwhile, a Muziris pavilion will be set up at Kochi Biennale. Those who register through the pavilion will be eligible for tours to various Muziris sites. Similarly, an app containing details of the project will be launched soon.

Muziris was an ancient harbour and an urban centre on the Malabar Coast. The Muziris Heritage Project is one of the biggest conservation projects in India, where the state and the central governments have come together, with support from UNESCO, to conserve a rich culture that is 3000 years old or more. The Muziris Heritage Sites (MHS) lie in the stretch from the municipality of North Paravur in the Ernakulam district to Kodungallur in the Thrissur district.