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Government Museum Chennai: A Cultural Treasure Trove

Explore South India's rich history and culture at the Government Museum Chennai, home to diverse collections and historical treasures.

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The Government Museum Chennai, established in 1851, is the second oldest museum in India, showcasing a vast collection of art, archaeology, numismatics, and more. Located in Egmore, it's a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Government Museum Chennai

  • Monday 10:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Thursday 10:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Saturday 10:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Sunday 10:30 am-6:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the morning hours (9:30 AM - 11:30 AM) to avoid crowds.
  • Photography may be restricted in certain galleries, so be prepared to take notes.
  • Allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's extensive collection.
  • Check the museum's official website for information on current exhibitions and events.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Government Museum is accessible via Chennai's extensive public transportation network. From Chennai Central Railway Station, take a bus (e.g., 17D, 18G, 37) to Egmore Bus Stop, a short walk from the museum. Alternatively, disembark at Egmore Railway Station and walk to the museum. The nearest metro station is Egmore on the Blue Line, about a 5-minute walk. Bus fares range from ₹5-₹20. Metro fares range from ₹10-₹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 the Government Museum costs approximately ₹200-₹250 and takes about 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Auto-rickshaws are also an option for shorter distances, with fares typically ranging from ₹30-₹80 for a short ride.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to Pantheon Road, Egmore. Parking is available at the museum for ₹20 for two-wheelers and ₹50 for four-wheelers. Be mindful of Chennai's traffic, especially during peak hours. Several pay and park services are also available near the museum.

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Discover more about Government Museum Chennai

The Government Museum Chennai, also known as the Madras Museum, is a sprawling complex housing a treasure trove of South Indian history and culture. Established in 1851, it is the second oldest museum in India, after the Indian Museum in Kolkata. The museum is located in the Government Museum Complex on Pantheon Road in Egmore. The museum boasts a rich collection of artifacts detailing human history and culture. It is particularly renowned for its archaeological and numismatic collections, including the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside of Europe. The museum's diverse exhibits span across six buildings and 46 galleries, covering a wide range of subjects such as art, archaeology, anthropology, numismatics, botany, and zoology. Highlights include South Indian bronzes, Amaravati sculptures, and artifacts from Adichanallur. Within the Government Museum Complex, visitors can also explore the National Art Gallery, which features European and Asian paintings, including works by Raja Ravi Varma. The Connemara Public Library, a repository of books, periodicals, and manuscripts, is also located on the premises. The Museum Theatre hosts cultural shows and plays. The museum is open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. It remains closed on Fridays and national holidays. The entry fee is ₹15 for Indian adults and ₹250 for foreign adults. Separate fees apply for still and video cameras.

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