Case Studies
February 19, 2024

Transforming Harrison Malayalam’s Old Tea Factory into Wayanad’s First Tea Museum

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Transforming Harrison Malayalam’s Old Tea Factory into Wayanad’s First Tea Museum

Problem Statement

Harrison Malayalam Ltd., part of the RPG Group, owned a century-old, three-storied wooden tea factory built in 1911 at Achoor Estate near Wayanad. Despite its rich heritage, the factory was underutilized and largely unknown to the public. The company wanted to leverage this historic asset to engage the local community, attract tourists, and promote tea culture. However, there was no clear concept on how to effectively achieve this. They needed an innovative approach to turn this heritage site into a dynamic and educational attraction.

Solution

MBO (Media Box Office) proposed the groundbreaking idea of converting the old Achoor Estate Tea Factory into the first Tea Museum in Wayanad. The concept aimed to preserve the factory’s historical significance while transforming it into a vibrant space that educated visitors about the history of tea, showcased unique artifacts, and offered an immersive tea-tasting experience. MBO not only developed this concept but also executed it from the ground up, bringing the vision of the Wayanad Tea Museum to life.

Project Development

Objective

To create a unique tea experience that combined history, education, and sensory engagement, targeting students, locals, and tourists.

Conversion of Factory to Museum

MBO meticulously redesigned the factory’s interior to house historical artifacts, antique collections, and interactive exhibits that told the story of tea in India and around the world.

Tea Tasting Experience

Designed an engaging tea-tasting tour, allowing visitors to explore various types of tea, taste them, and even learn the art of tea picking.

Implementation

Historical Storytelling

MBO curated an array of artifacts and educational displays that highlighted the global history of tea, the evolution of the tea trade, and the heritage of the Achoor Estate. The displays were carefully designed to be both informative and visually captivating.

Architectural Preservation

While converting the factory into a museum, MBO ensured the architectural essence of the 1911 building was preserved, retaining its old-world charm to provide an authentic experience.

Tea Tasting Tours:

Created a tea-tasting area where visitors could sample various teas, learn about the brewing process, and appreciate the differences between teas, enhancing their overall experience.

Promotional Initiatives

Launched campaigns highlighting the museum’s unique offerings, positioning it as a key attraction in Wayanad.

Outcomes

Successful Transformation

The Wayanad Tea Museum was successfully launched as a first-of-its-kind attraction in the region, drawing significant media attention and public interest.

Enhanced Visitor Experience

The conversion of the factory into a museum provided visitors with a rich blend of history, culture, and sensory experiences, setting it apart as a unique educational destination.

Increased Footfall

The museum saw a surge in visitors, including students, tourists, and locals, turning the once-overlooked factory into a buzzing hub of activity and learning.

Cultural Impact

The museum cultivated a deeper appreciation for tea culture, bridging the gap between Wayanad’s heritage and contemporary visitor experiences.

Conclusion

MBO’s transformation of the old Achoor Estate Tea Factory into the Wayanad Tea Museum is a testament to innovative thinking and strategic execution. This project exemplifies how creative vision can repurpose heritage assets to drive community engagement, tourism, and brand visibility for Harrison Malayalam Ltd., enriching the cultural landscape of Wayanad.