CHENNAI TOURIST PLACES

It was at the behest of Sir Henry Pottinger ,on behalf of Madras Literary society, the Museum was built around 1846..Dr. Edward Balfour, Medical Officer of the Governor's Body guard was appointed as the First Officer in charge of the Government Museum sometime in January, 1851..Initially it was called as Central Museum. The Madras Literary society first started the museum with about 1100 geological specimens. The Museum was shifted to the present place. It was then called ‘Pantheon’ in December, 1854.and hence the name of the road. It was then a place of meeting for the elite. Three great buildings , the museum theatre ,the extension hall and the Connemara Library were built in 1896 . It was bought over by the Government in 1930. The centenary celebration was inaugurated by Pandit Jawharlal Nehru in 1951.

This is the first Museum sponsored by the Government and one of the finest in the countrry. There is also a Art Gallery in the same premises. Hindu Sculpture Gallery, Amaravathy Gallery and National Gallery are the main attarctions here apart from Rock and cave art gallery. There Are other galleries such as Civilisation Gallery, Science Gallery , Transportation Gallery , Costume Dolls gallery, Technology Gallery and 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.

Contact For More Information : 2819 3238 / 28193778.