Government Museum, Chennai
அரசு அருங்காட்சியகம்
India's second-oldest museum, famous for its collection of bronzes, including the Chola dynasty's Shiva Nataraja.
The museum was founded in 1851 and is housed in a group of red sandstone buildings in the Indo-Saracenic style in Egmore. Its highlight is the Bronze Gallery, which holds exquisite bronze statues from the Chola dynasty, including the dancing Shiva, known as Nataraja. Other displays include Buddhist reliefs from Amaravati, archaeological finds, zoological and botanical specimens, and the National Art Gallery. The galleries are spread out, so allow half a day. The museum is closed on Fridays, and foreign visitors pay about 250 rupees for admission.
Opening hours
09:30–17:00; closed Fridays
Nearby sights
- Valluvar Kottam
- Parthasarathy Temple
- Fort St. George
- Marina Beach
- Vivekanandar Illam (Ice House)
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple
- San Thome Basilica
- Theosophical Society Adyar