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Fort St. George Museum: A Colonial Journey Through Time

Explore colonial history at Fort St. George Museum in Chennai, showcasing British Raj artifacts within India's first English fortress.

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Step back in time at the Fort St. George Museum in Chennai, a treasure trove of British Raj artifacts housed within the historic Fort St. George. Explore exhibits showcasing coins, medals, paintings, letters, and more, offering a glimpse into India's colonial past and the origins of modern Chennai.

A brief summary to Fort St.George Museum

  • Rajaji Rd, near Legislature and Secretariat, Chennai, Fort Saint George, Tamil Nadu, 600009, IN
  • +914425671127
  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash photography may be restricted.
  • The museum is closed on Fridays and national holidays.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's extensive collection.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to St. Mary's Church, the oldest surviving British church in India, also located within the fort.
  • Be prepared for strict security checks at the entrance. Have an official ID ready for inspection.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Chennai Central Railway Station, you can take a local bus (PTC) towards Fort St. George. Buses are frequent and the most economical option, with fares ranging from ₹5 to ₹15. Alternatively, the Chennai Metro is available, though it may not connect directly to Fort St. George. Disembark at the nearest station and take a short auto-rickshaw ride to the fort. Metro fares range from ₹20 to ₹60.

  • Taxi/Ride-Sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Ola and Uber are readily available throughout Chennai. A short taxi ride from Chennai Central Railway Station to Fort St. George will cost approximately ₹150 to ₹300, depending on traffic and distance. Auto rickshaws are also a common mode of transport, with fares typically ranging from ₹30 to ₹80 for short trips. However, negotiate the fare beforehand or use ride-hailing apps to avoid haggling.

  • Walking

    If you are near the Legislature and Secretariat, Fort St. George is within walking distance. Follow Rajaji Road towards the fort. Be mindful of the Chennai heat and traffic conditions.

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Discover more about Fort St.George Museum

The Fort St. George Museum, located within the historic Fort St. George in Chennai, offers an immersive journey into India's colonial past. Established in 1948, the museum's collection began with donations from the Madras Presidency Government and other entities, growing over the years to encompass 3,661 registered antiquities, with 602 on display across ten galleries. The museum is housed in one of the oldest surviving buildings within the fort, completed in 1795, which once served as the Madras Bank. The building itself is a historical artifact, with drawings in the lobby illustrating its construction and renovations from 1640 onwards. Visitors are greeted by an imposing marble statue of Lord Cornwallis, sculpted by Thomas Banks, depicting the surrender of Tipu Sultan's sons as hostages. The museum's galleries showcase a diverse array of artifacts, including Indo-French porcelain, clocks, stamps, coins, furniture, and lampshades. The Wodeyar's Gallery features portraits, Mysore School paintings, coins, and letters from the Wodeyar dynasty. Prints and documents depict the fort, old Madras buildings, and maps. Silverware donated by Elihu Yale, a large-scale model of the 19th-century fort, East India Company locks and iron chests, and the palanquin of the Arcot Nawabs are also on display. The museum also features letters written by Robert Clive. Fort St. George itself holds immense historical significance as the first English fortress in India, established in 1644 by the British East India Company. It served as a crucial trading post and the origin of the modern Indian Army. Today, the fort is a protected monument maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and houses the Tamil Nadu Government's administrative branches and legislative assembly.

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