Bhubaneswar, March 6: The Odisha State Museum is all set to don a new look with a number of initiatives being taken to revamp the tourist hotspot.

The much-awaited gallery dedicated to the life and achievements of Biju Patnaik is getting ready. The Biju Memorial Hall will have information about the leader's political life, his relationship with common man, lifestyle and his interest in art among other things.

The gallery will house the leader's photographs and articles used by the former chief minister. A number of video clips and audio messages of the politician will also be put up for visitors.

The Biju gallery is expected to be inaugurated on March 18, along with the one on the Paika revolt. The state government has built the gallery to celebrate the bicentenary year of the uprising. The gallery will also have a light-and-sound show on the uprising.

Culture minister Ashok Panda, along with the culture secretary, held a meeting with the museum authorities recently to take stock of the situation. The entrance to the museum is being modelled on the entrance to the Mukteswar Temple. The archway to the temple built in 900 AD is known for its intricate carvings.

The museum's entrance will have information on the history, traditions and cultures of the state. Besides, paintings and pictures of all the major heritage sites of the state, including the Buddhist site at Ratnagiri, temples at Old Town and other architectural splendours, will be showcased.

To strengthen security at the museum, CCTV cameras and intruder-detection mechanism are being installed at the museum. "Lack of proper security arrangements is a major concern for us. Rare items such as old coins and sculptures lying in the storehouse of the museum will shortly be showcased once the security measure are put in place," said Jayanti Rath, superintendent in-charge of the museum.