Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday inaugurated the state's first handloom and handicrafts museum - Kala Bhoomi.
Spanning across 13 acres at Pokhariput, the museum has been set up on the lines of the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum of New Delhi. Around Rs 35 crores has been spent on the project that has eight separate galleries for items such as terracotta, paintings, stone and wood carvingand tribal art.
There is also a gallery for the display of unique and antique raw materials and equipment associated with weaving, having historical and cultural significance for the handloom sector of the state. Several rare handloom and handicraft items - some of which are more than 100 years old - have also been displayed at the museum. A gallery showcasing modern-day use of Odisha's crafts and textile has also been set up. The complex also has a souvenir shop and a workshop area for live demonstration of various art and crafts.
The museum will be open for public from March 25 from 10am to 5pm.
Inaugurating the museum, Naveen said that it would give a boost to state's weavers and artisans through empowerment and all-round welfare.
"This museum is a celebration of our glorious handloom, handicraft and tribal traditions and will be the perfect window of Odisha to showcase its rich culture and heritage," he said. "The museum will also be a boost to the tourism sector and will also ensure protection of the handloom and handicrafts heritage of the state," said minister of handloom and handicrafts department Snehangini Chhuria.