Gass Forest Museum: A Century of Natural History

The Gass Forest Museum, located in the heart of Coimbatore, is a treasure trove of natural history and forestry. Established in 1902 by Horace Archibald Gass, the then Conservator of Forests, the museum has been educating and fascinating visitors for over a century. Housed within the Forest College Campus on Cowley Brown Road, the museum's building itself is a heritage structure, constructed in classic British Gothic style with red stones and iron pillars imported from Great Britain. The building was designed to withstand earthquakes, showcasing the architectural ingenuity of the time. The museum boasts a collection of approximately 10,000 exhibits, covering various disciplines such as botany, zoology, geology, and ethnology. Visitors can explore displays of stuffed animals, birds, reptiles, and insects, as well as forestry artifacts, wood crafts, and cultural items. Highlights include a piece of an asteroid believed to be millions of years old, a stuffed albino crow, and a full-grown male stuffed Indian guar. The museum also features exhibits on the tools and implements used by tribal communities in the region. Beyond the exhibits, the museum provides a serene escape with its lush surroundings, home to peacocks and sparrows. The campus also houses the Tamil Nadu Forest Academy and other forestry-related institutions. The Gass Forest Museum is a must-visit destination for those seeking to understand the natural and cultural heritage of the Coimbatore region.