Government Museum Chennai

4.3

Location: Government Maternity Hospital, Pantheon Rd, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008, India.

Visiting time: 1-2 hours.

The Chennai Government Museum, sometimes referred to as the Madras Museum, was constructed in 1851. This museum is unique in that it is India’s second-oldest museum (after the Indian Museum in Kolkata). Everyone will be enticed by the Madras Museum, which houses magnificent items of art, archaeology, ethnography, numismatics, and much more.

Attraction

The Government Museum of Chennai has six buildings to explore, including the Main Building with a variety of paintings, stones, and sculptures, the Front Building with a collection of arms, puppets, and other art pieces, the Bronze Gallery with bronze sculptures, old coins, and chemically preserved artifacts, the Children’s Museum with various educational exhibits, the National Art Gallery with traditional paintings and arts, the Contemporary Art Gallery with British-time portraits, and the Contemporary Art Gallery with modern arts. From time to time, cultural and intellectual activities are held here. It also serves as a performance space for plays and music events. The Connemara Public Library is located within the Chennai Government Museum. It has some of the country’s most unique literary collections as well as centuries-old literature.

History

Beautiful facade at the Chennai Government Museum, Tamil Nadu, India.

The Madras Literary Society proposed the Government Museum in Chennai for the first time almost 200 years ago, in 1846. The Madras Government Museum (formerly known as the Central Museum) opened in the college of Fort St. George in 1851. 1100 geological specimens were donated by the Madras Literary Society. The increasing collection was then relocated to the current location, Pantheon, in 1854, after the college building became decrepit. The Connemara Public Library, together with the Front Building and the Museum Theatre, opened in 1896. The main entry structure was constructed in 1939. In 1951, the National Art Gallery opened its doors. In 1963, a structure was built to house the bronze collection. The new Children’s Museum opened in 1988, and the Contemporary Art building debuted in 1984.

Inside/Outside Views

The National Art Gallery situated in Egmore, Chennai.

The Government Museum, which covers 16.25 acres of land, is one of South Asia‘s largest museums. Its complex consists of six separate buildings with a total of 46 galleries. These are the following main buildings, Bronze gallery, Children’s Museum, National Art Gallery, Contemporary Art Gallery, and A Museum Theatre.

Opening Hours

The opening hour is 9:30 am – 5:00 pm.

Entry & Others Fees

₹15 per person for Adults (Indians)

₹10 per person for Children (Indians)

₹5 per person for School Children (Indians)

₹250 per person for Adults (Foreigners)

₹125 per person for Children (Foreigners)

₹75 per person for School Children (Foreigners)

₹200 for a Still Camera

₹500 for Video Camera

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

Royal Regency Lifotel by Crossway
Blu Iris (Hot Plate)
The Madras Grand
The Pride Hotel, Chennai
The Hydel Park ( Business Class Hotel)

How to Reach

By Air: Fly to Chennai International Airport to see the Government Museum and the city’s other major attractions. You may take cabs, buses, or shuttles to Egmore, the nearest stop to the Government Museum in Chennai, from here.

By Rail: The Egmore Railway Station in Chennai is the closest station to the Government Museum at Fort Tondiarpet.

By Road: From anywhere in the city, intercity cabs and shuttles may take passengers to Pantheon Road. Pantheon Road is well connected to the rest of the city via the Egmore bus station. Hire auto rickshaws for a less expensive mode of transportation.

Tips for Travellers

During the weekends, avoid visiting the museum since the rush is generally high.
Check it before arranging the tour because, on Fridays, the museum remains closed and in addition to a list of other national holidays.
Visit the official museum website for more information.