Government Museum Chennai

One of the second largest Museum in India , probably one of the oldest in the world. Huge collections of ancient civilizations but unfortunately some of them aren't maintained well is sad to know. I see only few are really making use of such a great place where it talks about Hindustan and we should really encourage them from my point of view Request Govt to promote such places wherever they can to attract the visitors Closed on Fridays but remain open on all other days They charge 50rs for adults and 250₹ for foreigners and additional 250₹ for camera or video which is expensive but ok

Egmore Museum is incredibly valuable for anyone interested in South Indian art, especially temple sculpture and bronzes. The depth of history, the level of craftsmanship (for example in Chola bronzes) is breathtaking. It gives a strong sense of continuity of art through centuries — Pallava to Chola to later periods. The museum doesn’t always match the potential of its collection in terms of how the works are presented, interpreted, and preserved. If these areas are improved — lighting, protective display, better signage, more artefacts visible — it could be world-class.

2nd oldest museum in India & many sections make it feel so. The ticket costs ₹50 and the entry comprises of 6 sections across several buildings. The corridors are huge and very high ceilings make it more majestic. The exhibits are comprehensive with pre historic - colonial. The must see are the Raja Ravi Varma paintings. The Indus Valley Civilization section. Half day to a full day leisure will be the time needed to cover the entire museum. Some buildings are poorly maintained with no lights and ventilation. Otherwise, this museum is extremely enriching & unique.

The Government Museum is one of the best places to visit in Chennai. The museum encompasses six buildings and over 40 galleries, featuring exhibits on anthropology, archaeology, ancient South Indian bronze sculptures, Raja Ravi Varma paintings, numismatics, botany, and zoology. Highlights include: 1. Bronze statues, sculptures, and idols from ancient times. 2. Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings and other artworks of freedom fighters. 3. Artifacts from the British era and Indus Valley Civilization. 4. Weapons, armories, and folk traditions displayed in detail. 5. Exhibits that cover the rich culture of India across states and even some from other countries. The museum is not only informative but also aesthetically pleasing. The old buildings themselves add to the charm, and you can take plenty of beautiful photos and videos. The museum’s colonial architecture itself made a strong impression, setting the stage for what felt like a journey through history and culture. Among the many sections, the painting gallery showcasing Raja Ravi Varma’s works was the absolute highlight. Seeing his masterpieces in person was breathtaking—the detail, colors, and lifelike expressions were captivating. Standing before those paintings felt like stepping into a dialogue between tradition and modernity, with each artwork radiating timeless beauty. Another notable stop was the library. Although most of it was under renovation, one section was open to the public. It housed both Tamil and non-Tamil literature. The sight of carefully preserved texts revealed the institution’s role as a guardian of knowledge. I found this combination of regional richness and global outlook quite impressive. The museum also had small but useful facilities like a café and comfortable seating spaces where visitors could relax and have food. This thoughtful arrangement made the experience more pleasant, especially after walking through vast collections. It’s also a great place to bring children — they’ll learn a lot about history, heritage, and art in an engaging way. Parking is good, the museum is easy to reach on the main road, and sometimes they host melas/fairs with food stalls, which adds to the experience. Overall, it’s a must-visit in Chennai if you want to explore India’s culture, art, and history in depth. We visited the museum on Sunday. The admission fee was ₹50 for adults and ₹25 for children. For international visitors, the charge was ₹250.

A Heritage Giant That Needs Modern Revival Having visited several state-level museums across India, I would say the museum here feels stuck in the 20th century. The collections are vast and historically important, but the presentation and visitor experience clearly need modernization. Still, if you have 4+ hours, this place is worth exploring for its depth, diversity, and heritage. 1. Navigation is difficult A proper guide map is badly needed. Buildings 1–7 are spread across the campus, and even though you frequently see “You are here” signs, it’s unclear where this position lies in relation to the entire complex. First-time visitors often end up walking in circles. 2. Must-visit buildings The Bronze Gallery and Anthropology Blocks are the highlights. These sections display some of the best curated items and deserve to be explored first. 3. Mixed maintenance across galleries The Art Gallery and Archaeology sections feel poorly maintained. Lighting, labeling, and cleanliness vary widely, so visit them based on your time and interest. 4. Children’s Museum is outdated The Children’s Gallery looks overly simplistic. The Tamil Nadu cultural setup is good in concept but uses mannequins with strangely European facial features. The European cultural theme made using cheap ₹100 dolls ends up looking more scary than educational. 5. Numismatics building is disappointing For a state with such deep history, the Numismatics section is shockingly minimal—only a few Chola coins? Most “coins” and “currencies” are just printed vinyl displays, which you could easily find online. However, the Philately section upstairs is relatively better. 6. Pleasant evenings In the evenings, the complex hosts various art, music, and dance events, creating a relaxed cultural atmosphere. Couldn't find the Souvenir shop, the small one near the ticket building sells wooden and bronze collections.