Government Museum

Government Museum History, Hidden Gems, Best Time to Visit and Photography


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Located at Egmore, Chennai Tamil Nadu
Government Museum 

Government Museum, Chennai Overview

The Government Museum, Chennai (also known as the Madras Museum), located in Egmore, is one of the oldest and most significant museums in India. Established in 1851, it boasts a rich collection of artifacts spanning archaeology, numismatics, geology, art, and natural history.


History and Significance

  • Foundation: Founded in 1851 by the British, it is the second oldest museum in India after the Indian Museum, Kolkata.
  • Architectural Style: The museum complex features stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture and houses several buildings with distinctive red brick structures.
  • Notable Collection: It holds the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside Europe and significant exhibits of South Indian bronzes.


Nearest Attractions

  1. Egmore Railway Station: Iconic and historically significant station (1 km).
  2. Marina Beach: One of the longest urban beaches in the world (3.5 km).
  3. Fort St. George: Historic fort built in 1644, now a museum and government building (5 km).
  4. Kapaleeshwarar Temple: Ancient Dravidian-style temple in Mylapore (7 km).
  5. Valluvar Kottam: Monument dedicated to Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar (3 km).

Things to Do

  • Explore the Galleries:
    • Bronze Gallery: View ancient Chola, Pallava, and Vijayanagara bronzes.
    • Archaeology Section: Features exhibits from the Indus Valley Civilization and other ancient cultures.
    • Children”s Museum: Engaging exhibits for kids, including life-size dinosaur models.
  • Attend Workshops: Participate in educational programs on art and history.
  • Library Visit: Access rare books and manuscripts.

Adventures

  • While the museum itself doesn”t offer physical adventures, exploring nearby historical sites like Marina Beach or taking a heritage walk through Chennai”s colonial buildings can be exciting.

Budget

  • Entry Fee:
    • Indian Adults: ?15
    • Children: ?10
    • Foreign Nationals: ?250
  • Additional Charges: ?200 for photography.
  • Average Day”s Cost: ?500–?1,200 (including entry fees, meals, and transport).

Hidden Gems

  • Amaravathi Gallery: Rare artifacts and sculptures from the Amaravathi Stupa.
  • Rare Manuscripts: Check out the Palm Leaf Manuscripts housed in the museum library.
  • Portrait Gallery: Features lesser-known paintings by Indian artists from the 19th century.


Photography Spots

  • Museum Complex Courtyard: Capture the beautiful Indo-Saracenic architecture.
  • Bronze Sculptures: Intricate details in the sculptures make for great close-up shots.
  • Natural History Section: Life-size animal exhibits and dinosaur models offer unique photo opportunities.

Famous Food and Restaurants Nearby

Vegetarian

  • Saravana Bhavan (Egmore): Renowned for authentic South Indian thalis and dosa varieties.
  • Mathsya: Famous for its Udupi cuisine and extensive vegetarian menu.

Non-Vegetarian

  • Buhari Hotel: Known for its iconic Chicken 65 and biryani.
  • Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant: Offers traditional Chettinad cuisine, including spicy chicken and mutton dishes.

Vegan Options

  • Crave by Leena: Specializes in vegan desserts and light meals.
  • The Farm: Organic restaurant offering vegan-friendly dishes and farm-fresh produce.


How to Reach

  • By Air: Chennai International Airport (18 km) is the nearest airport.
  • By Rail: The nearest station is Egmore Railway Station (1 km).
  • By Metro: Take the Chennai Metro to Egmore Station, a short walk from the museum.
  • By Road: Accessible by buses, autos, and taxis from all parts of the city.

Hotels

Luxury

  • Taj Connemara: Heritage hotel offering luxurious amenities close to the museum.
  • The Park Chennai: Upscale hotel with modern comforts and excellent dining options.

Affordable

  • Hotel Pandian: Budget-friendly, located in Egmore.
  • Raj Residency: Affordable and well-connected to major city landmarks.

Facilities

  • ATM: Available within a 500-meter radius.
  • Medical: Apollo Hospital (3 km) and Government General Hospital (4 km).
  • Parking: Dedicated parking area near the museum entrance; spaces may fill up quickly during weekends.


Categories

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