![]() History of Minerva Theatre The historic Minerva Theatre was taken over by the Government of West Bengal by the Information and Cultural Affairs Department in 2004 with a view to preserving the theatre tradition of the State. ![]() Dilapidated and unused for decades, the auditorium with its majestic facade was wearing a ghostly look when it was taken over. Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority was entrusted with the task of renovating the building. KMDA with the architectural expertise of Shri Dulal Mukherjee, the famous architect, renovated the building and the auditorium keeping its heritage flavour. After renovation the auditorium with a new look was inaugurated on 28th February 2008 by the Honourable Chief Minister. Theatre personalities of the State including Shri Kumar Roy, the veteran director and actor were present on the day. Honourable Chief Minister in his inaugural speech declared that Minerva Theatre auditorium will not be used like other auditorium in the city and that it would be a centre of excellence for theatre. Minerva Natya Sanskriti Charchakendra was constituted by a Government Order dated 5th November 2008 with Shri Kumar Roy as Chairman of the Kendra with a broader objective as a centre of excellence for promotion of theatre and culture. It was registered as Society under Registration of Societies West Bengal Act XXVI of 1961 on 2nd February 2009. |