National History Museum

National History Museum

Opening set for first quarter of 2018
The ex Supreme Court building in central Victoria is transforming into a history museum with a mix of still and motion exhibitions showcasing the history and culture of our country.
by S. Marivel
Ondiek Beryl, who heads the project, says the museum is now in its touch up phases, and will feature a story line of Seychelles’ main historical events and modern set ups for motion exhibitions and installations.
“Various objects are being chosen now for the exhibitions,” Ms. Beryl explains.
“We want people to see significant things when they visit the museum and to be satisfied with their visit.”
Ms. Beryl says the entrance fee still needs to be determined, and new staff will have to be hired to run the museum on a day to day basis. However, they are confident that the Museum will add value to Victoria, giving something new for Seychellois and tourists to enjoy.
The team behind the Museum project breaks their months of silence due to Leader of the Opposition Wavel Ramkalawan mentioning in National Assembly last week that barricades had been set up for months around the building, with nothing to show for until today. He suggested that the work was “too slow” and that the people behind the project might be “idle”.
“We were working hard even while the building was closed,” explains Ms Beryl. “The museum was closed for about four years and we have since been working to reopen it. We are also working with a Belgian exhibition designer and he has done a great job.”
While the museum was closed, Ms Beryl explains that “materials we had were stocked and continuous work was done on the collection to clean and maintain it so it would be ready once the building is up. There are standards we need to adhere to for the museum building because the walls themselves are old – so they are themselves part of the history we want to showcase. We need to protect that and make sure exhibitions last in the humid temperatures.”
The inside of the building had small compartments that needed to be broken to make room for exhibitions, according to Ms Beryl. A Committee which meets on a weekly basis is deciding the rest of the logistics ahead of the 2018 opening.
“Government should realize the importance of a museum for a country; it was about time we opened, and we hope we don’t have to change location again” stresses Ms. Beryl.
“We need to instill the importance of a national museum for Seychellois as well, because we don’t want them to assume that this is just for tourists to enjoy,” she continues. “We have many students already who regularly visit the natural museum across the street so we are in the right direction when it comes to local interest in our own history and natural environment.”
Ms. Beryl notes that the cost of setting up the exhibitions in the building goes “a bit over SCR14 million for our budget.”
“These costs are necessary if we want to put new technology such as screens and light displays where necessary for the exhibitions,” she adds.
A conference room to host public workshops is also part of the plans for the museum.
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History museum in search of consultant for permanent exhibition

01-February-2018
The National Museum of History is looking for a consultant to provide consultancy services for exhibition planning, design and concept for the permanent exhibition display in the new history museum in Victoria.
An ‘Expression of Interest’ to that effect has been issued.
The person should be able to create an integrated experience that will have many interpretive and entertainment options for visitors – from outdoor, seasonal events to interactive exhibits to children experiences.
The new permanent exhibition and theatre experience will be an important part of this exciting new experience.
In line with the strategy to create a story-driven and engaging experience for visitors, the permanent exhibition gallery will include a number of high-tech interactive models, as well as environmental displays for collections.
Among his/her duties, the consultant must show demonstrated ability to realise complex media and integrated exhibitory.
“The overall objectives of the project is to create an environment which presents the nation's history and culture in an effective and inviting atmosphere,” according to details on the consultancy works received from Alex Rath, director of administration of the National Cultural Building.
The entire consultancy should be carried out and completed before May 15, 2018, the expected official inauguration day of the National Museum of History.
According to Mr Rath, the consultant must be familiar with museum concepts and exhibition planning and design and have excellent command of the English language.
“The goal is to have a comprehensive final design document that will illustrate the full exhibit design — how it will be built, where every component is located and how each works within the larger space. This final design document should include exhibition identification, exhibition descriptions, a database of exhibit components, measured CAD plans with content, floor plans, elevations, artifact lists, measured graphic design elements and samples, draft scripts with details for audio visual components, interactive exhibits, final text, sound and lighting systems specifications, production schedules and a fabrication cost estimate,” Mr Rath explained.
All requests should be submitted to the principal secretary, department of culture, not later than 3pm on Friday February 2, 2018.