Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, yesterday said that steps are being taken to fireproof Castellani House where the National Art Collection is located.
Speaking at a press conference, the Minister highlighted ongoing efforts, noting the unique challenges posed by the wooden structure.
“To fireproof Castellani House, what you need is early detection. That’s what’s important – to prevent fires from happening in the first place,” Ramson said. He mentioned that steps such as installing fire alarm systems and sprinklers have already begun in some facilities and that these efforts will continue.
The discussion comes at a critical time, as Castellani House is not only a heritage building, but also the home of Guyana’s National Art Collection. Designed by Maltese architect, Cesar Castellani, in 1879, the structure is the last surviving Castellani masterpiece, following the demolition of the Alms House and the New Amsterdam Public Hospital. Originally completed in 1882 to house George Jenman, the first Curator of the Botanical Gardens, Castellani House later served as the residence of colonial Directors of Agriculture, Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, and eventually became a hub for the arts.