Government Museum, Chennai, or the Madras Museum, is a museum of human history and culture located in the Government Museum Complex in the neighbourhood of Egmore in Chennai, India. Started in 1851, it is the second oldest museum in India after the Indian Museum in Kolkata. It is particularly rich in archaeological and numismatic collections. It has the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside Europe.
It also houses rare South Indian bronzes, paintings, arms, puppets, and other art pieces. It is one of the most popular attractions of Chennai and a must-visit destination for history and culture lovers. Visit during Chennai Local Sightseeing By cab
Location of Government Museum Chennai
Government Museum, Chennai is located on Pantheon Road in Egmore, Chennai. It is part of the Pantheon complex, which also includes the Connemara Public Library and the National Art Gallery. The complex covers an area of 16.25 acres and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains. The museum is easily accessible by public transport such as buses, trains, and metro.
Timing / Entry Fees Government Museum Chennai
Government Museum, Chennai is open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm on all days except Fridays and national holidays. The entry fee is Rs. 15 per person for Indians and Rs. 250 per person for foreigners. The camera fee is Rs. 200 for still camera and Rs. 500 for video camera. The guided tour fee is Rs. 100 per person.
How to Reach Government Museum Chennai
Government Museum, Chennai can be reached by road from any part of the city. You can take a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw to reach the spot. You can also take a train to Egmore railway station or a metro to Government Estate metro station, which are both close to the museum.
Things to Do / Must See Government Museum Chennai
Government Museum, Chennai offers various things to do and see for tourists of all ages and interests. You can enjoy a guided tour of the museum, a visit to the library and the art gallery, a cultural programme at the museum theatre, etc. at the complex. You can also visit the nearby attractions such as Fort St George, Marina Beach, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, etc.
- Guided Tour: A guided tour of the museum is one of the main attractions at the complex. You can learn about the history and process of museum making in India and see the different galleries and exhibits such as archaeology, anthropology, zoology, botany, geology, numismatics, art, children’s museum, etc.
- Library: The Connemara Public Library is one of the four national depository libraries in India that receive a copy of all books published in India. It has a collection of over 6 lakh books and some rare manuscripts and periodicals.
- Art Gallery: The National Art Gallery is housed in a beautiful Indo-Saracenic building that was built in 1906. It displays various paintings from different schools and periods such as Tanjore, Rajput, Mughal, Deccan, Raja Ravi Varma, etc.
- Theatre: The Museum Theatre is an impressive structure that was built in 1896. It has a seating capacity of 600 people and hosts various cultural and academic programmes such as dramas, music concerts, lectures, seminars, etc.
- Fort St George: Fort St George is a historic fort that was built by the British East India Company in 1644. It is now the seat of the Tamil Nadu government and houses various museums such as St Mary’s Church Museum, Clive House Museum, Fort Museum, etc.
- Marina Beach: Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world that stretches for 13 km along the Bay of Bengal. It is a popular spot for leisure activities such as walking, jogging, playing games, flying kites, etc.
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple: Kapaleeshwarar Temple is one of the oldest temples in Chennai that dates back to the 7th century CE. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati and has a magnificent Dravidian architecture with a towering gopuram.
Significance of Government Museum Chennai
Government Museum, Chennai is a place of historical and cultural significance. It was established in 1851 by Dr Edward Balfour as one of the first museums in India to showcase Indian history and culture to the public. It has grown over the years to become one of the largest museums in India with over 1.7 million exhibits covering various fields and disciplines. It is also a place of educational significance as it provides an opportunity to learn about India’s rich heritage and diversity through its collections and programmes.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the best time to visit Government Museum, Chennai?
A: The best time to visit Government Museum, Chennai is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and cool.
Q: What are the facilities available at Government Museum, Chennai?
A: There are basic facilities available at Government Museum, Chennai such as parking, toilets, drinking water, cafeteria, souvenir shop, etc. There are also facilities for the differently abled such as ramps, wheelchairs, audio guides, etc.
Q: What are some tips for visiting Government Museum, Chennai?
A: Some tips for visiting Government Museum, Chennai are:
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes as you will have to walk a lot to explore the museum.
Carry water, snacks and a camera to capture the views.
Be respectful while viewing the exhibits and do not touch or damage them.
Do not litter or smoke at the museum premises.
Respect the local culture and environment.
Conclusion
Government Museum, Chennai, or the Madras Museum, is a museum of human history and culture located in the Government Museum Complex in the neighbourhood of Egmore in Chennai, India. Started in 1851, it is the second oldest museum in India after the Indian Museum in Kolkata. It is particularly rich in archaeological and numismatic collections. It has the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside Europe. It also houses rare South Indian bronzes, paintings, arms, puppets, and other art pieces. It is one of the most popular attractions of Chennai and a must-visit destination for history and culture lovers.
