Panoramic View of Monastery ComplexICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Norman Monastery is situated just outside the downtown grid within Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township, Yangon.
Site Plan of Norman MonasteryICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
It sits within a leafy compound of monastic buildings adjacent to a busy road and railway line.
Façade of Norman MonasteryICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Built in 1852 and extended until 1902, Norman Monastery is one of the oldest surviving historic monasteries in Yangon.
Significance
The monastery has historic significance for its ability to demonstrate educational and religious development of Yangon during the early colonial period and for its association with several important historical figures.
Sculpture on the ColumnICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
It has architectural significance as one of the oldest surviving and beautifully decorated monastic buildings in Yangon and as a rare example of a colonial educational building repurposed as a monastery.
Shrine HallICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
The building has social and spiritual significance to the local community as a part of the monastic compound and a venue for religious activities and meditation retreats.
History
Soon after the British conquered Rangoon in 1852, the Norman School (used as the current Shrine Hall) was built by British engineers. Because of its distance from the town centre, the school soon moved to another site and the building was left vacant.
Sketch of Norman MonasteryICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
In 1881, a wealthy Burmese merchant U Pho Tha (later Sir Pho Tha) and his wife, Daw Pu, bought the building at a government auction for 20,000 Rs. They donated the building to Ashin Pyinyar, who converted it into a monastery and became the first presiding monk.
Wooden Windows and ColumnsICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
The Eastern Wing (1889), the Western Wing (1890), the Southern Wing (1899) and the connecting hall (1902) were built with funds from various donors. The building is supported by some two hundred timber columns
Wooden Ceiling of Connecting HallICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
The integrity of its early decorative features and architectural flourishes make it a rare survivor displaying stylistic influences popular during the early colonial period.
Threat
Despite its long history and architectural importance, the monastery is not well known and it has not received proper conservation practice over the years.
Damaged ColumnICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
The monks who currently own the building highly appreciate and value its importance, but do not have the necessary technical skills to properly maintain it. There are also limited funds for its upkeep.
Wooden CeilingICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Moreover, those involved in the maintenance have very limited knowledge of conservation. This has a detrimental impact on the longevity of the building.
Perspective View of Norman Monastery on Western SideICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Yangon Heritage Trust has undertaken site assessments and offered basic guidelines and advice to the presiding monk and relevant government departments.
Exterior Wooden ColumnICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Yangon Heritage Trust will continue to advocate for the long-term conservation and continuing use of this important heritage place.
Yangon Heritage Trust
Daw Hnin Kay Khine
For more hidden heritage sites under threat:
Hidden Heritage Under Threat: Norman Monastery
Hidden Heritage Under Threat: San Jorge Farm
Hidden Heritage Under Threat: Lavrio Historic Wharf
Hidden Heritage: Yangon's Secretariat
