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The
Government Museum and Art Gallery are situated on the Pantheon Road
between Egmore and Anna Salai. The Museum is well known for its
exquisite collection of more than 2000 South Indian bronzes and
Amaravathi marbles. Three great buildings - the Museum theatre, the
extension hall and the Commemara Public Library were built in 1896
A.D. This is the first Government sponsored museum in the country.
 The Museum also exhibits a variety of arms, coins, stamps and
antiques. Within the museum complex is the Art Gallery. This museum
is one of the finest in the country. The museum has articles from
the Stone Age and the Iron Age. It also has the display of a large
collection of South Indian Musical Instruments and Jewellery. The
museum has a collection of Buddist antiques also. One of the most
impressive is the bronze of Ardhanariswara, the androgynous
incarnation of Shiva.
The Museum has four sections now - Hindu Sculpture Gallery, the
Amaravathi Gallery, the Bronze Gallery and the National Art Gallery.
These are the main attractions now. There is a new Rock and Cave Art
Gallery now which houses the Rock and Cave Art found usually in the
remote areas. There is also a Children's Museum which is a place of
wonder for children. This museum has galleries like the Civilisation
Gallery, the Science Gallery, the Transportation Gallery, the
Costume Dolls Gallery, the Technology Gallery and the Kids Corner.
Entrance to the museum is free.
Timings: Saturday to Thursday 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m
Closed on Fridays and national holidays.
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