Odisha Govt to Restore Tagore’s Puri Residence, Convert it into Museum

The Odisha government has decided to restore the historic house of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in Puri and convert it into a museum in his memory.

The decision was taken at a high-level review meeting chaired by Minister of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, Suryavanshi Suraj, on Wednesday. The minister said the move aims to preserve and showcase the poet-philosopher’s association with Odisha and his contributions to literature and culture.

“It has been decided to restore Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s residence ‘Pather Puri’ in Puri and convert it into a museum in his memory,” the minister announced after the meeting.

Tagore, who visited Odisha several times, stayed at ‘Pather Puri’ during his visits to the pilgrim town of Puri. The building, which holds immense historical and cultural significance, has been in a state of neglect for years.

Officials said the proposed museum will house artefacts, letters, and exhibits related to Tagore’s life, works, and his connection with Odisha. It will also serve as a cultural and literary hub, promoting research and public engagement with Tagore’s legacy.

The Culture Department will soon begin the restoration process, with emphasis on retaining the structure’s original architectural features while upgrading it with modern preservation techniques.

Tagore’s deep ties with Odisha are well-documented—his works reference the state’s spiritual ethos, and he shared a close relationship with several Odia intellectuals and writers. The upcoming museum is expected to become a major attraction for scholars, tourists, and admirers of the poet worldwide.