Thiba Palace, Ratnagiri: Heritage Sound, Reimagined

Setting the Scene

Thiba Palace in Ratnagiri has always been more than a monument—it is a living chapter of history. Built in 1910 by the British to house the exiled Burmese King Thibaw Min, the palace still showcases colonial architecture through its semi-circular wooden windows, ornate details, and grand marble hall. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, it draws visitors with its timeless charm and cultural importance.

As part of Maharashtra’s initiative to enrich heritage tourism, the Department of Tourism and Culture set out to give this iconic building a renewed purpose. They wanted visitors not only to witness history but to experience it.

A Vision to Bring Stories to Life

The goal was to create atmospheric 7.1 projection-mapping shows, cultural performances, and immersive storytelling experiences that would transport audiences into the past. The palace itself would become the canvas for visual and sonic narratives.

To match these ambitious visuals, the sound system had to be powerful yet gentle on the structure—precise, clear, immersive, and reliable in harsh outdoor conditions. That is where Ansata, d&b audiotechnik, and Studio One came together.

Studio One: The Creative Force Behind the Integration

Studio One, a specialist in large-scale multimedia storytelling, served as the system integrator for this project. Known for their expertise in projection, lighting, content creation, and show integration, Studio One took responsibility for the entire project from day one.

They handled everything, from concept development, video production, and projection design to show delivery, before choosing Ansata as their trusted audio partner. Their ability to blend creativity with technical precision played a crucial role in shaping Thiba Palace into a modern cultural destination. Their vision ensured that sound, light, and visuals came together as a unified, emotionally engaging experience.

Designing a Sound System for a Heritage Monument

Working inside a heritage structure required careful planning and respect for its historical integrity. Thiba Palace presented several unique challenges:

Coastal Weather & Environmental Stress
Close to the sea, the palace faces moisture, and rapid weather changes. To guarantee durability, the system needed outdoor-ready, corrosion-resistant components.
Using d&b Weather Resistant (WR) loudspeakers, which are sealed against moisture, ensured long-term performance in the harsh environment.
Protecting Fragile Architecture
At more than 100 years old, the palace demanded a vibration-controlled design. Even slight acoustic resonance or weight placed directly on heritage surfaces could cause damage over time. The system layout was engineered to avoid mechanical stress while still maintaining sonic impact.
Delivering Even Coverage Across a Large Audience Area
Projection shows attract big crowds, so the system needed to deliver consistent clarity from the front rows to the last seat. Controlled dispersion and precise positioning were critical.

The Ansata & d&b audiotechnik Solution

After evaluating the site and environmental demands, Ansata designed a custom d&b audiotechnik sound solution that delivered clarity, immersive depth, and long-term reliability.

Audio System Details

18 × Yi8 (WR) — Main array in L-C-R configuration, offering broad and even coverage.
16 × Yi10P (WR) — Surround reinforcement that enhances the immersive feel of projection mapping.
2 × B22 Subwoofers — Deep, controlled low-frequency energy tuned to protect the heritage structure.
10D & 40D Amplifiers — Weather-resilient amplification for stable performance in fluctuating temperature and humidity.
DS10 Dante Audio Network Bridge — Seamless, reliable digital audio distribution across the venue.

Every component was selected to ensure reliability in coastal conditions and respect for the palace’s historic architecture.

A Spectacular Reopening

On March 17, 2025, Thiba Palace reopened to the public with its stunning projection-mapping show. As the sun set, visuals illuminated the palace walls while rich narration and music filled the outdoors with warmth, clarity, and emotional depth.

Visitors were transported through the stories of Thibaw Min and Ratnagiri’s heritage. The sound wrapped around the audience naturally—spoken words felt intimate, and musical moments felt alive.

The Impact: A Heritage Site Transformed Into a Cultural Hub

The upgrade has completely reimagined the visitor experience. Thiba Palace is now equipped to host:

Projection-mapping shows
Cultural and musical performances
Educational presentations
Storytelling events

Tourists stay longer, absorb more, and connect deeply with the history being narrated. With a robust and weather-ready d&b system, the palace is prepared for years of cultural programming.

The People Behind the Experience

Audio Head: Resul Pookutty — Academy Award–winning sound designer, shaping the sonic experience.
Project Head: Shri Alphonse Roy — Renowned filmmaker overseeing integration and execution.

System Integrator: Studio One — Leading the end-to-end multimedia design, projection mapping, and technical integration.

Conclusion

Thiba Palace now stands as a shining example of how heritage conservation and modern audiovisual technology can coexist beautifully. Through the collaboration of Studio One, Ansata, and d&b audiotechnik, the palace has been transformed into an immersive storytelling venue, preserving its legacy while enhancing its cultural impact.

It is proof that when history meets innovation, unforgettable experiences are born.