The Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, Heena Waleed, has said the Maldives National Museum houses more than 7,000 artefacts, including items dating back more than 1,500 years, although only a small proportion of the collection is currently on display.
The minister made the remarks while responding to a question from a Parliamentarian.
Heritage Minister Heena said around 600 artefacts are currently on display at the National Museum, including historical items that are more than 1,500 years old. She said the museum faces challenges in standardising, cataloguing, measuring and preserving its extensive collection.
The minister mentioned that the government is working with the Chinese government to renovate and further develop the National Museum in order to improve the preservation and management of its artefacts.
"Even though there are 7,000 historical artefacts in the museum, there are challenges in categorising, measuring and safely maintaining these items. Therefore, to develop the National Museum and renovate and maintain it to a higher standard, we are working in collaboration with the Chinese government. The necessary funding has been secured, and work will begin very soon," Minister Heena said.
Furthermore, the minister stated that the museum has not undergone any major renovation to date and is now in urgent need of extensive repairs and digitalisation. She also stated work is underway to establish an interactive immersive museum as a branch of the National Museum.
Responding to a separate question regarding the weathered condition of the minaret of the Malé Friday Mosque (Hukuru Miskiy), Minister Heena said the structure is one of the Maldives' most significant historical landmarks and is maintained in accordance with internationally recognised conservation standards.
She said preserving the minaret presents challenges, particularly in sourcing high-quality lime for restoration work and because weather conditions can affect the drying of lime plaster during maintenance.
According to the minister, whenever signs of deterioration or staining appear, the National Centre for Cultural Heritage carries out the necessary conservation and repair work.
Minister Heena added that, in line with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's policy of diversifying the economy and tourism sector, the ministry is undertaking extensive efforts to develop heritage tourism in the Maldives.