Royal Palace

Mandalay

The palace, originally made of gilded wood, was built by King Mindon Min in 1857. Burnt to the ground in WWII, it has now (2004) been rebuilt in concrete and gold paint. The result is attractive, more permanent, and less costly than the original. However, this technique (which has also been used in Japan) is strongly denounced by most outside experts in favor of using the original materials and techniques. The original-materials approach, unlike the concrete rebuilding seen here, lends authenticity to the recreation; keeps the original crafts alive; and allows scholars to investigate the problems faced and solutions accomplished by the original builders.