The archeology department is trying to convert the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar town hall into a museum

“The Maharashtra Archeology Department has requested the local civic body to hand over the historic town hall building to a museum where nearly 1,000 artefacts formerly housed in the Soneri Mahal will be displayed,” officials said on Monday (May 18, 2026).

“Built in the 17th century, the Soneri Mahal was closed a few years ago following a structural audit of the state-protected monument. It housed several artefacts, including medieval-era weapons, cannons, manuscripts, coins and archaeological remains,” the archeology department said in a letter to the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation on May 1.

Since the museum at Soneri Mahal has been closed, the Archaeological Department has asked the civic body to hand over the famous Town Hall building at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to set up a new facility, the letter said. “The museum cannot remain closed for long as it causes academic losses to students,” the letter said.

The Town Hall, one of the prominent historical buildings in the city, is said to have been built by the Nizamshahi General Malik Amber in the first quarter of the 17th century.

Published – 18 May 2026 12:23 IST