Vivekanandar Illam (Ice House)
விவேகானந்தர் இல்லம்
A cylindrical "Ice House" on Marina Beach where Swami Vivekananda stayed in 1897, now a memorial museum.
Built in 1842, this cylindrical structure was originally used to store ice shipped from America, which is how it earned the name "Ice House." In 1897, the Indian philosopher Swami Vivekananda stayed here for nine days after returning from the West. The building is now managed by the Ramakrishna Mission and houses exhibits and 3D presentations on Vivekananda's life and Indian culture. Across from Marina Beach, it charges a modest entry fee and is closed on Wednesdays.
Opening hours
10:00–12:15, 15:00–19:15; closed Wednesdays
Nearby sights
- Parthasarathy Temple
- Marina Beach
- San Thome Basilica
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple
- Fort St. George
- Government Museum, Chennai
- Valluvar Kottam
- Theosophical Society Adyar