Government Museum

Government Museum

More Info about Chennai About Tourism in Chennai » Chennai Sightseeing, Quick Facts » Cheap Flights to Chennai » Map of Chennai » Traveller Feedback on Chennai » Chennai Q&A Forum »

The Government Museum at Chennai is situated at bustling area of Egmore in Chennai. It is considered to be one of the foremost museums in India and has a unique collection of Amaravati sculptures and Bronzes, apart from ancient artifacts and archeological remains of the Chola, Vijayanagar, Hoysala and Chalukya dynasties. The museum has an extensive art gallery; theater and a well-stocked public library. Founded in 1851, the museum has four fine galleries dedicated to Hindu Sculptures, the Bronze Gallery, the Amravathi Gallery and the National Art Gallery. The Amaravati collection comprises of panels, pillars, carved railings, white marble statues of the Buddha and the remains of the Buddhist stupa that was excavated from Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh. The Bronze gallery exhibits beautiful bronze sculptures from the later Pallava, Chola, Hoysala and Chalukya dynasties. The bronze image of Ardhnariswara (Shiva and Parvati) is especially eye-catching. The museum has different sections pertaining to zoology, botany, anthropology, numismatics, geology, and sculptures and houses an excellent ethnology collection. You will come across a special section for children too. This popular section has the Civilization Gallery and Transportation Gallery apart from a Kids Corner for tiny tots. The galleries of the museum house age old treasures and are well worth a visit.