Renovated museum receives crowning glory
President Choummaly Sayasone and his wife on Saturday led a ceremony that saw 17 golden gable finials placed atop the renovated Hor Pha Keo Museum in Vientiane.
The restoration of the museum, one of the capital's most visited landmarks, is fully on track since beginning in December, although further public donations are needed to continue the work.
President Choummaly Sayasone holds a rope while the finials are placed on the roof of the Hor Phra Keo Museum in Vientiane. --Photo Khamphanh
Speaking at the ceremony, which was attended by senior government officials, Vice Mayor of Vientiane Mr Saithong Keoduangdy said the restoration of the Hor Pha Keo Museum was important for Lao people because it sustained their fine traditions and culture.
“All Lao people are encouraged to contribute by making donations for the improvement of one of Vientiane's most important cultural sites,” he said.
The restoration of Hor Pha Keo is the third improvement project since the structure was first built in 1565 during the reign of King Setthathirath.
“The project is slated for completion by the end of this year,” Mr Saithong said.
The ceremony to place the ornamental gable finials in position began with a religious ceremony led by the President of the Lao Buddhist Fellowship, the Most Venerable Phong Samaleuk, and other senior monks from Vientiane temples.
This was followed by a parade of the gable finials around the museum three times, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sports Dr Phankham Viphavanh, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara, Mayor of Vientiane Dr Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune, deputy ministers, the spouses of senior government officials, and invited Vientiane residents.
The gable finials were hoisted onto the rooftop by an electric winch.
So far, the restoration project has received more than 1.1 billion kip, US$15,793 and three kilogrammes of gold from public donations, according to the committee in charge of the project.
The committee estimates that more than 6.3 billion kip will be needed to purchase new materials to restore damaged sections of the museum.
More donations of materials and cash are being sought from members of the public both at home and overseas to ensure the museum is renovated to a high standard.
Hor Pha Keo is one of the oldest buildings in Vientiane and was used as a royal chapel during the time of the Lanexang Kingdom and also housed the precious Emerald Buddha (Pha Keo).
The building was destroyed when the Siamese (Thai) invaded Vientiane in 1779 and took the Emerald Buddha to Siam (Thailand), where it is housed in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.
In 1826-29, the Siamese again invaded Vientiane and once more destroyed the temple after it had been rebuilt during the rule of King Anouvong in 1816.
Hor Pha Keo was again restored in 1936-42.
~News courtesy of Vientiane Times~
President Choummaly Sayasone and his wife on Saturday led a ceremony that saw 17 golden gable finials placed atop the renovated Hor Pha Keo Museum in Vientiane.
The restoration of the museum, one of the capital's most visited landmarks, is fully on track since beginning in December, although further public donations are needed to continue the work.
President Choummaly Sayasone holds a rope while the finials are placed on the roof of the Hor Phra Keo Museum in Vientiane. --Photo Khamphanh
Speaking at the ceremony, which was attended by senior government officials, Vice Mayor of Vientiane Mr Saithong Keoduangdy said the restoration of the Hor Pha Keo Museum was important for Lao people because it sustained their fine traditions and culture.
“All Lao people are encouraged to contribute by making donations for the improvement of one of Vientiane's most important cultural sites,” he said.
The restoration of Hor Pha Keo is the third improvement project since the structure was first built in 1565 during the reign of King Setthathirath.
“The project is slated for completion by the end of this year,” Mr Saithong said.
The ceremony to place the ornamental gable finials in position began with a religious ceremony led by the President of the Lao Buddhist Fellowship, the Most Venerable Phong Samaleuk, and other senior monks from Vientiane temples.
This was followed by a parade of the gable finials around the museum three times, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sports Dr Phankham Viphavanh, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara, Mayor of Vientiane Dr Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune, deputy ministers, the spouses of senior government officials, and invited Vientiane residents.
The gable finials were hoisted onto the rooftop by an electric winch.
So far, the restoration project has received more than 1.1 billion kip, US$15,793 and three kilogrammes of gold from public donations, according to the committee in charge of the project.
The committee estimates that more than 6.3 billion kip will be needed to purchase new materials to restore damaged sections of the museum.
More donations of materials and cash are being sought from members of the public both at home and overseas to ensure the museum is renovated to a high standard.
Hor Pha Keo is one of the oldest buildings in Vientiane and was used as a royal chapel during the time of the Lanexang Kingdom and also housed the precious Emerald Buddha (Pha Keo).
The building was destroyed when the Siamese (Thai) invaded Vientiane in 1779 and took the Emerald Buddha to Siam (Thailand), where it is housed in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.
In 1826-29, the Siamese again invaded Vientiane and once more destroyed the temple after it had been rebuilt during the rule of King Anouvong in 1816.
Hor Pha Keo was again restored in 1936-42.
~News courtesy of Vientiane Times~
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