A glimpse of divinity
Prepare to be mesmerised by the Bronze Gallery's majestic display, showcasing artistic marvels from Lord Shiva as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, to Chola bronze figurines of Ardhanarishvara, the composite figure and divine manifestation of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The museum proudly houses archaeological representations of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain sculptures, along with anthropology galleries that trace South Indian history back to prehistoric times. In fact, it is renowned for possessing the largest collection of Roman antiquities outside Europe.
A legacy of celebrations
The Government Museum's historic journey has been marked by grand celebrations, none more significant than its centenary in 1951, graced by esteemed Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister. This cultural haven also houses the National Art Gallery, Contemporary Art Gallery, and the delightful Children's Museum, captivating visitors of all ages.
This is the second oldest museum, next to Kolkata. It is rich in archaeological, numismatic, and largest Roman collections too. Buddhist ruins from Amaravati find a prominent place here. It is built in the Indo-Sarcenic style and houses a rich collection of the works of Raja Ravi Varma.
Within the museum's sprawling expanse, diverse sections await exploration. The main building shelters a treasure trove of artefacts and sculptures from bygone eras, along with fascinating animal, botany and philately galleries. As you venture further, the front building showcases an enthralling puppet gallery and galleries dedicated to folk art and music.